The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has raised the Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot to ₱200 million, marking a milestone aimed at boosting lottery revenues and supporting charity initiatives during the festive season. According to PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles, this year will feature a historic first: special draws on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
The Grand Lotto 6/55, drawn thrice weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, recently saw its jackpot climb to an estimated ₱202.5 million after no winners emerged in the latest Monday draw. This significant increase aligns with PCSO’s “Handog Pakabog” campaign, launched in 2023, which raised the minimum prize across lotto games to ₱90 million. Robles highlighted the campaign’s effectiveness in driving revenue growth and public engagement.
In recent months, the Grand Lotto 6/55 has delivered substantial jackpots. In September 2024, the prize reached a staggering ₱271 million, though no winning tickets were claimed. Meanwhile, December 2024 witnessed a single bettor winning ₱55 million. These milestones underscore the growing popularity and impact of the PCSO’s lottery programs.
Established in 1934, the PCSO serves as the Philippines’ premier agency for generating funds for health programs, medical assistance, and national charities. Over the years, the organization has introduced innovative measures to enhance public participation. In October 2023, the PCSO unveiled the Philippine Lottery System (PLS), streamlining operations under a centralized framework. Shortly after, in December 2023, it launched E-Lotto, a digital platform enabling online betting and ticket purchases, reflecting its commitment to modernization and accessibility.
The decision to hold draws on Christmas and New Year’s Day is a strategic move to harness the holiday season’s heightened activity. These special draws aim to encourage higher ticket sales while promoting the PCSO’s core mission of funding charitable projects.
As excitement builds around the growing jackpot, the PCSO urges participants to play responsibly. The anticipated surge in ticket sales is expected to contribute significantly to the organization’s health and welfare programs, furthering its legacy of service to Filipinos. With innovative campaigns and record-breaking jackpots, the PCSO continues to blend tradition and progress in its lottery endeavors.