Abalos vows to run after illegal online lottery operators

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos yesterday vowed to go after illegal online lotto operators after the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) filed criminal charges against four firms engaged in unauthorized electronic lotto or e-lotto operations.

“We are one with the PCSO in its desire to provide help, especially medical assistance to as many poor people as possible. But they can’t fulfill their mandate if there are evil people who are stealing the agency’s revenue using their technological know-how,” Abalos said.

PCSO general manager Mel Robles earlier said charges were filed before the Mandaluyong City prosecutor’s office against Eplayment Corp., Paymero Technologies Limited, GlobalComRCI International and Blockchain Smart-Tech Co. IT Consultancy for misrepresenting themselves as government-licensed lotto operators.

The companies also allegedly solicited and accepted bets from the public through their unauthorized mobile applications and websites.