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PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Monday, January 6, 2025. Here are the complete lotto results today as released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Check these out to see if you won. 6/55 Grand Lotto Result 6/45 Mega Lotto Result 4D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result

Police in Thailand have seized some 120 vehicles linked to an illegal online gambling network at Nonthaburi province.  Thai authorities have intensified their crackdown on illegal online gambling networks, seizing 121 vehicles linked to a major operation dismantled two years prior. This recent action, conducted by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) on January 4th, targeted assets connected to the previously busted Macau888 online gambling website. Acting on warrants issued by the Nonthaburi provincial court, officers searched a residence and car showroom in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi, uncovering over 120 vehicles, including a Lamborghini owned by a previously arrested online gambling suspect. Furthering their investigation, a separate team executed an arrest warrant at a Bangkok residence, detaining 32-year-old Jirayus Charoenpong on suspicion of money laundering. These actions are part of a larger, ongoing investigation into the Macau888 online gambling network, which was initially dismantled in 2023, as reported by the Bangkok Post. The 121 confiscated vehicles are now subject to examination by the Customs Department and the Anti-Money Laundering Office. This crackdown on online gambling coincides with another high-profile case involving the iCon Group, where police have seized assets worth over 160 million baht following fraud accusations. This case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of well-known television host Kan Kantathavorn, who frequently showcased his affluent lifestyle on social media. Kan's social media presence, including his Instagram account and his wife Iyada “Ploy” Kantathavorn’s YouTube channel, often featured displays of luxury items such as high-end watches and cars. One particularly noteworthy instance involved Ploy revealing in a video that she ran air conditioning daily solely to preserve her designer handbags. Among the 23 luxury cars seized in the iCon Group case, two belong to Kan: a Ford Mustang Coupe, valued at approximately 2 to 3 million baht, and a Porsche Cayenne, worth around 7 million baht. Read related article: Landlords Warned Over Rentals To Now-Illegal POGOs

The Philippines welcomed 5.6 million visitors in 2024. While this may be the case, the government missed its target of 7.7 million for the year.  The Philippines fell short of its goal of attracting 7.7 million tourists in 2024, welcoming only 5.6 million visitors, according to government data. The Department of Tourism acknowledges that they missed the target due to headwinds beyond their control, such as economic, environmental, and geopolitical forces. They also faced budgetary constraints and visa liberalization delays. The suspension of the electronic visa system by the Department of Foreign Affairs negatively impacted the projected arrivals from China. “These figures highlight the pivotal role of tourism in generating livelihoods and uplifting communities nationwide and certainly show the impact of Philippine tourism in terms of job generation. The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its mission to generate quality employment opportunities for Filipinos across the country,” Tourism Secretary Cristina Garcia Frasco said as reported by the Daily Tribune.  While the industry fell short in 2024, there are still positive signs of recovery. South Korea remained the top source of tourists for the Philippines, followed by the United States and Japan. Despite these challenges, the DOT remains optimistic about the future of Philippine tourism. They are focusing on attracting tourists who will stay longer, visit more frequently, and spend more money while in the Philippines. The DOT is also working to improve visa policies and increase tourism revenue. The  Philippines did surpass its target in 2023. According to the DOT, the country welcomed over 5.45 million international visitors in 2023, exceeding its target of 4.8 million. Read related article: Robinsons to Invest P10B for Cebu, Pangasinan, Manila Hotels

The Philippines’ justice department warned foreign POGO workers of blacklisting if they do not submit to authorities. The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a firm warning to foreign nationals working illegally for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs): submit to authorities or face severe consequences, including permanent blacklisting from the country. This announcement comes as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s ban on POGOs takes effect, with a complete shutdown mandated by the end of 2024. The President's decision to ban POGOs stems from investigations linking these gambling operations to a range of illegal activities and serious crimes, prompting a decisive move to prioritize national security and public welfare. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla emphasized the government's unwavering stance, stating, "The President is unequivocally clear that POGOs have no place here in the Philippines." Data from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) revealed that out of 33,863 registered foreign POGO workers, 24,779 successfully downgraded their visas. Furthermore, 22,609 workers departed the Philippines before the December 31 deadline.  However, a significant number of foreign workers remain in the country illegally. These include individuals who failed to downgrade their visas, those who did downgrade but overstayed their visitor visas, and those who simply did not leave. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is now actively conducting extensive manhunt operations to apprehend these remaining POGO workers, who are now classified as illegal aliens. The DOJ has made it clear that the government is determined to intensify its efforts against illegal POGO operations and ensure full compliance with the presidential directive. Secretary Remulla reiterated the government's resolve to pursue and prosecute those operating outside the bounds of the law.  This strong stance underscores the Philippine government's commitment to eradicating illegal gambling activities and maintaining national security. The message is clear: foreign POGO workers remaining in the Philippines illegally must surrender to authorities to avoid permanent blacklisting and other legal repercussions. Read related article: LGUs Have Until Jan. 10 To Submit POGO Reports - DILG

European organization FNATIC and Southeast Asian esports titan Onic will end their partnership amid new rules issued by the Esports World Cup body. European esports organization FNATIC will be ending its partnership with Southeast Asian organization Onic, which has teams in both Indonesia and the Philippines. This decision comes after the Esports World Cup (EWC) implemented new rules that affect joint ventures. FNATIC and Onic Philippines' MLBB team had a successful run together, culminating in a world championship title in December 2024. Their collaboration was a shining example of what joint ventures in esports could achieve. However, the new EWC rules prevent joint ventures from accumulating points for the larger organization if they qualify for an EWC event. "Collaboration between two distinct esports orgainzations to field a game roster will not contribute to the collection of club championship points in 2025," the announcement read.  The Esports World Cup has stipulated that participating organizations must maintain consistent club names across all game titles and within the Club Championship itself. According to a statement by Onic, "It's been an honor to collaborate with one of the top esports organizations in the world. We would like to thank FNATIC for the opportunity and wish them nothing but the best for the future." The new EWC rules aim to create a more level playing field for individual organizations. However, this decision also disrupts established collaborations and adds uncertainty to the future of joint ventures in esports. While FNATIC and Onic are going their separate ways, both organizations have expressed their excitement for new adventures. It will be interesting to see how they navigate the esports landscape under the new EWC rules. Read related article:   FNATIC Onic PH Wins Mobile Legends (MLBB) World Championship

Heading into 2025, here is a list of titles set for next year’s edition of the Esports World Cup The Esports World Cup (EWC) is gearing up for another exciting summer in 2025, and they've revealed a large selection of titles that will be battling it out for glory! Here's a look at what's confirmed so far: Returning Champions: PUBG Mobile:  After a thrilling victory over Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024, SONIQS will be back to defend their crown in the $2 million prize pool competition. PUBG: Battlegrounds:  Champions SONIQS return for another shot at the $700,000 slice of the total $2 million prize pool, after dominating against Petrichor Road, FaZe Clan, and TSM in 2024. RENNSPORT:  Team Redline will try to repeat their 2024 win where they outperformed Team Vitality, MOUZ, and Williams Esports to claim the $500,000 prize pool. Returning Titles: Rocket League: The Esports World Cup 2024 featured a $550,000 Rocket League tournament in Riyadh from August 22nd-25th, which saw Team BDS crowned champions. However, the event struggled with viewership, peaking at only 99.8K viewers, likely due to the absence of fan-favorite team Karmine Corp and the early elimination of Gentle Mates. Overwatch 2:  The Overwatch League (OWL) concluded its final season in 2023, with the Florida Mayhem taking the championship. Though the OWL is no more, Overwatch 2 esports continued in 2024 with the launch of the Overwatch Champions Series (OWCS), which saw teams competing across different regions for a spot at the Finals. EA FC 25:  The EWC 2024 featured an EA FC tournament with a $1 million prize pool, utilizing the Ultimate Team mode. João 'jafonsogv' Afonso Vasconcelos emerged victorious under the Luna Galaxy banner after competing against 15 other players in a group stage and playoff format. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang:  MOONTON Games held its mid-season cup concurrently with EWC, with Malaysia’s Selangor Red Giants getting the “life-changing” lion’s share of the prize pool.   Apex Legends:  Alliance emerged victorious in a thrilling, record-breaking 13-game grand final at the Apex Legends Esports World Cup 2024. This win marked their first LAN victory from the EMEA region and solidified their position as a top contender in Apex Legends esports. Despite a mixed performance throughout the series, Alliance secured the final victory when it mattered most, edging out teams like Team Falcons and Luminosity Gaming to claim the championship. Rainbow Six Siege:  Team BDS reigned supreme in the Rainbow Six Siege competition of EWC, taking home $750,000.  Dota 2:  Gaimin Gladiators dominated the Dota 2 Riyadh Masters at the Esports World Cup 2024, securing a clean 3-0 sweep against Team Liquid in the grand finals. This victory marked Gaimin Gladiators' first Tier 1 championship of 2024 and a return to the top of Dota 2 esports after a successful 2023 season. Their superior teamplay and individual performances proved too much for Team Liquid, who were unable to find an answer to Gaimin Gladiators' strategies. Street Fighter 6:  The Street Fighter 6 tournament at the EWC 2024 was a significant event in the game's competitive calendar, especially as it was a relatively new title at the time. The tournament featured a $1 million prize pool and attracted top players from around the globe. Ultimately, it was Chinese player "xiaohai" who emerged victorious, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy in the new game. The event highlighted the early meta of Street Fighter 6 and set the stage for future competitions. Free Fire:  The Free Fire World Series (FFWS) was the highlight of the Free Fire esports calendar in 2024. While the provided text doesn't have EWC-specific results, the FFWS remains the top international competition for Free Fire. Honor of Kings:  The Honor of Kings Invitational Midseason 2024, held in Riyadh as part of the Esports World Cup, was a landmark event featuring a $3 million prize pool and 12 competing teams. This tournament showcased increased international participation and significantly surpassed previous Honor of Kings events in viewership. Ultimately, it was Chinese team KPL Dream Team who claimed the championship title, solidifying their position as a top contender in the Honor of Kings competitive scene. Counter-Strike 2:  2024 saw the transition from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive to Counter-Strike 2. Natus Vincere reigned supreme in the EWC 2024 contingent.  Newcomers to the Arena: Chess.com :  This is a first for EWC! Chess.com joins the fray. Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen will be a global ambassador and the Champions Chess Tour (CCT) will be the official qualification path for players. Crossfire:  Get ready for a new battle royale experience! Thanks to a three-year partnership with South Korean publisher Smilegate, Crossfire makes its debut. Titles Missing in Action (For Now): The list is still missing some big names, particularly Riot Games' popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Teamfight Tactics. While not confirmed yet, there's a chance these might be included as exhibition matches outside of the official leagues. Read related article: Chess Joins Esports World Cup 2025

Asian teams reigned among the most-watched esports teams of 2024, with South Korean League of Legends squad T1 leading the pack.  Esports continues to take the world by storm, with millions tuning in to watch their favorite professional gamers compete. A recent report by Esports Charts revealed some interesting trends, particularly the rise of Asian teams among the most-watched esports teams of 2024. T1, the reigning League of Legends World Champions, reigns supreme as the most-watched esports team, generating a staggering 195 million hours watched this season. Notably, half of these views came from their triumphant run at the 2024 World Championship. This dominance is a testament to the legendary team led by Lee "Faker" Sang-hyeok, who has cemented his place as an esports icon. Their performance not only broke viewership records but also solidified T1's position at the pinnacle of the esports world. “T1's dominance is undeniable. Thanks to the legendary team led by Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok, several historic records were set this year, including the most-popular match and the most-viewed tournament. These incredible achievements at Worlds didn’t go unnoticed by The Game Awards 2024 as T1 took home the Best Esports Team award, while Faker claimed Best Esports Athlete for the second year in a row and third time overall. There’s no need for more words here: a legendary team, a legendary player, and a legendary achievement,” read the   report  that was published on December 27, 2024.  Beyond T1, other Asian teams claimed a significant presence on the list. Powerhouse organizations like RRQ, Gen.G, Bilibili Gaming, and Team Liquid Indonesia all found themselves among the most-watched. This strong showing reflects the passionate esports fanbases across Asia and the continent's dedication to fostering a thriving competitive gaming scene. The viewership numbers highlight the immense popularity of League of Legends, the esport T1 and several other top teams compete in. However, the data also suggests that regional rivalries and the passionate support for homegrown teams play a major role in driving viewership. This bodes well for the future of esports, indicating a potential shift towards a more globalized and multifaceted viewership landscape. Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and the viewership numbers for 2024 suggest that Asian teams are at the forefront of this phenomenon. With powerhouse organizations and dedicated fanbases, Asia is well-positioned to continue shaping the esports landscape in the years to come. Read related article: Faker, T1 headline Pt.2 of Esports Awards; MLBB wins MOBIES

Banking on its success in the 2024 Summer Olympics, the Philippines will be sending 20 athletes to the 2025 Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. Fresh off a successful run at the Summer Olympics, the Philippines is now setting its sights on a new challenge: winning its first-ever medal at the Asian Winter Games in 2025.  This ambition follows the nation's recent triumphs, including three consecutive gold medals in the Summer Games. “We’ve already accomplished the dream in the Summer Olympics – three gold medals in consecutive games. And that dream, we want to also achieve in the Winter Olympics,” said Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, as cited by the Philippine News Agency.  While precise historical records are unavailable, Tolentino believes this will be the largest Filipino delegation to ever compete in the AsianWinter Games. The athletes will compete in six of the 11 sports featured in the Harbin program. A significant portion of the team will participate in curling, a popular winter sport. The curling team includes Marc Angelo Pfister, Enrico Gabriel Pfister, Christian Patrick Haller, Alan Beat Frei, Jessica Pfister, Benjo Delarmente, Kathleen Dubberstein, Leilani Dubberstein, Sheila Mariano, and Anne Marie Bonache. The Curling Winter Sports of the Philippines, established late last year, has recently joined the POC roster alongside the Philippine Skating Union and the Philippine Ski and Snowboarding Association. Other athletes representing the Philippines, managed by chef de mission Richard Lim, include competitors in figure skating (Paolo Borromeo, Aleksandr Korovin, Cathryn Limketkai, Isabella Marie Gamez, and Sofia Lexi Jacqueline Frank), Alpine skiing (Francis Ceccarelli and Talullah Proulx), freestyle skiing (Laetaz Amihan Rabe), short track speed skating (Peter Joseph Groseclose), and snowboarding (Adrian Tongco). The Asian Winter Games in Harbin will feature a total of 64 events. Harbin previously hosted the Games in 1996, and China also hosted the 3rd edition in Changchun in 2007. Historically, Japan has dominated the Asian Winter Games, followed by China and Kazakhstan. Looking ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, which will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, from February 6 to 22, Tolentino acknowledged the immense challenge but expressed confidence based on the nation's recent Summer Olympics success. He cited weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo's historic first gold medal in Tokyo (2020) and gymnast Carlos Yulo's two gold medals in Paris (2024) as evidence of the Philippines' ability to achieve great things on the world stage. Read related article: PH National Team Eyes MLBB “Avengers” for Olympic Esports

Local government units in the Philippines have until January 10 to submit final reports on their efforts to strip their jurisdictions of POGOs.  The Philippine agency in charge of interior and local government affairs has set a January 10 deadline for cities, provinces, and towns to submit final reports on their efforts to eradicate Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGOs) within their jurisdictions.  Memorandum Circular 2025-001, addressed to governors, mayors, barangay captains, and DILG regional directors, reiterated LGU responsibilities on submitting reports to prove that they do not have offshore gaming operations in their areas.  “LGUs are responsible for checking all the buildings, (and utilize) the occupancy permits, the electric permits, the fire safety permits so they would have full capacity to enter all the buildings,” DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said, as reported by government newswire Philippine News Agency.  The memorandum emphasizes that LGUs must ensure no further renewal of business permits and licenses for POGOs, including internet gaming licenses.  Furthermore, LGUs are urged to report any remaining POGO operations to the police, following the implementation of Executive Order 74, which mandates a complete ban on POGOs in the country. This follows President Marcos Jr.'s announcement during his State of the Nation Address in July, declaring the total prohibition of POGOs. The DILG has also authorized LGUs and police to inspect commercial and residential buildings to enforce the ban. LGUs are required to submit “No POGO” certifications and are empowered to utilize occupancy, electric, and fire safety permits to access buildings. Inspections also extend to verifying real property tax payments.  “They cannot operate in remote areas because there would be no Internet there. They have a high bandwidth requirement to be able to operate,” he said. The DILG clarified that special economic zones are not exempt from the ban and will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy for erring local officials. The Bureau of Immigration will conduct a manhunt for 11,000 unaccounted POGO workers, while police will pursue those involved in illegal activities. Read related article:   Total POGO Ban in the Philippines Takes Effect

PCSO Lotto Results and winning numbers for Friday, January 3, 2025. Here are the complete lotto results today as released by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Check these out to see if you won. 6/58 Ultra Lotto Result 6/45 Mega Lotto Result 4D Lotto Result 3D Lotto Result 2D Lotto Result

DigiPlus Interactive Corp made its expansion into the lucrative South American market official after securing a federal gaming license in Brazil.  Philippine-based iGaming company DigiPlus Interactive Corp., has secured a federal gaming license in Brazil, paving the way for its expansion into the lucrative South American market.  A filing with the Philippine Stock Exchange on January 2, 2025 confirmed DigiPlus’s authorization to operate various gaming activities, including land-based and online sports betting, electronic games, live game studios, and other fixed-odds betting. This successfully navigated the qualification process with Brazil’s Ministry of Finance’s Secretariat of Awards and Bets (SPA) on November 21, 2024. The company now has 30 days to finalize post-qualification requirements, including license fee payments. With the SPA’s final list of authorized operators published, DigiPlus was expected to launch its online sports betting and iGaming services in Brazil on New Year’s 2025.  DigiPlus’ Board of Directors funded P660 million to augment the expansion, covering license fees, minimum capitalization requirements, financial reserves, and other operational costs for the initial three months. DigiPlus is among 81 operators granted licenses, as detailed in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU). Of these, 15 are permanent and 66 are provisional.  To get a gaming license in Brazil, companies must meet strict financial and legal standards. This includes paying R$30 million (US$4.7 million) to the government and setting aside R$5 million (US$789,862) as an emergency fund.  Some big names like SuperBet, MGM, and SportyBet got full, permanent licenses. Other major players, such as bet365, Betsson, Betano, Caesars, and SportingBet, received temporary licenses. This is all part of Brazil's plan to regulate its fast-growing online betting industry. Licensed companies will also pay a 12.5% tax on their monthly earnings to the government. Read related article: PH Gaming Firm DigiPlus Gets Approval to Operate in Brazil

Esports will join traditional Olympic disciplines in the  3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), which will be held in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025.  The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the dates and sports program for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), set to take place in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025. Among the 21 sports featured, esports has secured a prominent position, highlighting its growing influence and popularity among young people in Asia. The inclusion of esports in the AYG is a significant milestone, reflecting the OCA's recognition of its mainstream appeal. The full list of sports includes traditional Olympic disciplines like athletics, swimming, and basketball, alongside other popular sports such as badminton, football (futsal), and cycling. The presence of esports alongside these established sports underscores its legitimacy as a competitive and engaging activity for youth. The sports included are the following: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3x3), Equestrian (Show Jumping + Endurance), Esports, Futsal, Golf, Handball, Judo, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Cycling (Road), Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kabaddi, Volleyball, and Teqball. Esports has witnessed explosive growth in Asia, becoming a cultural phenomenon embraced by millions of young people. Several factors contribute to this surge in popularity: This popularity has translated into official recognition at major sporting events. Esports has been included as a medal sport in both the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games, demonstrating its growing acceptance within the broader sporting landscape. Esports debuted as a medal event at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines and has been a recurring feature in subsequent editions. This inclusion has provided a platform for Southeast Asian esports athletes to showcase their talent on a regional stage. Esports made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. It returned as a medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, further solidifying its place in the Asian sporting arena. The inclusion of esports in the 3rd AYG builds upon this momentum, offering young esports athletes from across Asia a chance to compete at a prestigious multi-sport event. This provides not only a platform for competition but also the opportunity for cultural exchange and the development of esports within the region. The OCA's announcement signals a significant step forward for esports in Asia. By including it in the AYG, the OCA is not only acknowledging its current popularity but also investing in its future. The 3rd AYG in Bahrain promises to be a showcase of young talent across a diverse range of sports, with esports taking a prominent position in this celebration of athleticism and skill. The detailed competition schedule and list of events under the 21 sports will be forwarded to the NOCs “shortly.” Read related article: PH National Team Eyes MLBB “Avengers” for Olympic Esports