Won something? Lotto prizes are paid only by PCSO, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, and its lotto outlets: never by PH Lotto Win, and never by someone who messages you. Here is how to get yours.
First, Check Your Numbers
Compare your ticket with the official results at pcso.gov.ph (opens in a new tab). You can also save your tickets in My Tickets to see which prize a line matches, but PCSO’s results and its check of your ticket are final.
Where to Claim
- Up to ₱10,000: any authorized lotto outlet, or a PCSO branch office.
- ₱10,001 to ₱300,000: a PCSO branch office, or the PCSO Main Office.
- Over ₱300,000, and every jackpot: the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City. Jackpot winners must come in person.
These amounts are from PCSO’s own frequently asked questions. PCSO can change them, so check its website or call a branch office before you travel.
What to Bring
- The original winning ticket. Sign your name on the back as soon as you buy it: only the person who signed the ticket can claim the prize.
- Two valid government IDs, such as your national ID, driver’s license, passport or UMID.
- Too sick to go yourself? The person claiming for you needs a special power of attorney (SPA) from you. Ask PCSO what else they should bring.
Keep Your Ticket Safe
Keep it flat and dry, and don’t write on the front. If a ticket is wet, crumpled or torn, the machine may not read it, and the prize can’t be paid. A lost ticket can’t be claimed.
Claim Within One Year
You have one year from the draw date. After that the prize is forfeited and goes to PCSO’s Charity Fund: see Where does your lotto ticket money go?
The 20% Tax
Prizes over ₱10,000 are taxed 20% under the TRAIN Law (Republic Act 10963); prizes of ₱10,000 or less are not taxed. The tax is taken out of the prize when you claim it, so a ₱100,000 prize pays ₱80,000. You never pay the tax to anyone beforehand.
Never Pay to Get a Prize
If someone asks you to send money, a “processing fee” or your one-time PIN (OTP) to release a prize, it is a scam. See How to Spot a Lotto Scam.
Play only with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, call the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline 1553.