PCSO taps private sector for launch of new games

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is tapping the private sector to help broaden its lineup of games and contribute more to the government’s revenue generation efforts.

In a published public notice earlier this week, the PCSO said it has issued the revised rules and regulations on the acceptance, evaluation and processing of new game proposals that would attract private proponents to develop, start and operate the new games.

The state-run firm said it has formed a Gaming Evaluation Committee (GEC) to screen and approve new games from private proponents.

“Considering the limitations on PCSO’s budget and operation brought by the pandemic, it is necessary for PCSO to expand its gaming operation to augment its fund generation and reduce expense in procuring games,” it said.

“Thus, this rules and regulations was created to address demand for funds while maintaining at a reasonable level the operational expense of the agency,” the PCSO said.

Under the new guidelines, a new game proponent should be at least 60 percent Filipino-owned, must be a corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and must have a minimum authorized capital stock of P50 million and minimum paid-up capital of P12.5 million.

The proponents are required to submit a letter of intent, a game proposal with their game design, mechanics, and marketing strategy; a feasibility study, a list of their draw courts location, letters patent and copyright of system or copyright of game, among others.

PCSO general manager and vice chairman Royina Garma earlier said they were in talks with private proponents for the launch of new lottery and digit games that will again raise funds for the government’s charity programs.

One such proposal is the Win-A-Billion lotto game with a guaranteed P1 billion jackpot, on a minimum P100 bet.

Another is the Birthday Panalo digit game that will offer a player a chance to win on his or her birthday in a year.