Part of the money from lotto tickets goes back to players as prizes, and part pays for health programs and medical help. The split is set by law, in the PCSO Charter: Republic Act 1169, as amended by Batas Pambansa 42.
55% Prize Fund
More than half pays the prizes, from the jackpots to the smaller prizes. A prize that is not claimed within one year of its draw is forfeited, and the money goes to the Charity Fund.
30% Charity Fund
This share pays for health programs, medical help for patients and other charities. PCSO’s Medical Access Program, for example, helps patients with hospital bills, dialysis, chemotherapy and medicine.
Since 2019, the Universal Health Care Act (Republic Act 11223) also sends 40% of the Charity Fund, after taxes and other required contributions, to PhilHealth, to improve what it covers.
15% Operations
The rest runs PCSO itself: its offices, staff and equipment. By law, money left over in PCSO’s other funds also goes to the Charity Fund.
Shares of Net Sales, Not of Each Ticket
The law splits PCSO’s net receipts from ticket sales, not the price printed on your ticket. So it does not mean that exactly ₱55 of every ₱100 you spend becomes prizes.
Need help with medical bills?
PCSO’s medical help is for patients who need it, whether or not they play the lotto. Ask at a PCSO branch office or see pcso.gov.ph (opens in a new tab) for what to bring.
Play Within Your Means
- Buying more tickets is not the way to help a cause. If you want to help, give to it directly.
- The lotto is a game of chance: every combination has the same chance of being drawn.
- If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, call the National Center for Mental Health crisis hotline 1553.