PCSO Eyes For Level 3 Certification From World Lottery Body

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) aims for Level 3 certification from the World Lottery Association.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) - the government body handling the country’s state lottery services - is eyeing a Level 3 certfication from the World Lottery Association (WLA). 

WLA is a central hub for the global lottery industry, providing essential services, setting standards, and advocating for responsible and sustainable growth.

To secure Level 3 certification, PCSO must establish and implement a Comprehensive Responsible Gaming Program. This level requires a more structured and comprehensive approach to responsible gaming, with a focus on program effectiveness and impact on players. A Level 3 certification signifies that PCSO has a comprehensive responsible gaming program in place. This includes measures to ensure transparency and fairness in their operations, which can increase public trust in PCSO and its games.

In a post on his official social media account, PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said a level 3 certification means a country has set a budget to allocate for its gaming programs. 

“Sa ilalim ng Responsible Gaming Framework ng WLA, ang Level 3 certification ay nangangahulugan na ang isang lottery operator ay dapat nakabuo na ng plano at budget upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang gaming programs,” he said.

(Under the WLA's Responsible Gaming Framework, Level 3 certification means that a lottery operator must have already developed a plan and budget to implement their gaming programs.) 

“Nitong December 2024 lamang po ay nakamit natin ang Level 2 certification dahil sa ating pagpupursigi na maitaguyod ang responsableng paglalaro sa PCSO.  Kaya naman mas paiigtingin pa natin ang ating pagiging responsableng lotto operator at ang ating misyon na makatulong sa mamayang Pilipino saklaw ng ating corporate social responsibility,” he added. 

(Just this December 2024, we achieved Level 2 certification due to our efforts to promote responsible gaming at PCSO. That's why we will further intensify our commitment to being a responsible lotto operator and our mission to help the Filipino people under our corporate social responsibility.)

The PCSO statement indicated that stakeholders were encouraged to integrate Responsible Gaming principles into advertising and game development, with discussions encompassing educational campaigns featuring responsible gaming messages and partnerships with PCSO to promote responsible advertising and participation in responsible gaming initiatives. 

The PCSO reiterated its dedication to WLA principles and framework, stating its ongoing journey toward enhanced responsible gaming is intended to safeguard players, stakeholders, and the public while maintaining revenues for charitable programs.

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