Lotto operations will be restricted to areas under quarantine only

The Philippine Charity Sweepstake Office (PCSO) has announced on Tuesday that lotto operations in the country will resume on 4 August. 

However, lotto operations will only be allowed in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) and Modified General Community Quarantine (GCQ). 

Operations for integrated resorts, casinos and other gaming venues like lottery stations, electronic casino stations, bingo halls and poker rooms were suspended mid-March in response to the government’s call amid the rising Covid-19 cases in the country.  

According to PCSO General Manager Royina Marzan-Garma, the Office of the President lifted the suspension on lotto operations and other related activities for areas under GCQ and MCGQ, including Keno Online, which will resume operations on 28 July.  

In a circular dated 20 July 2020, PCSO will abide by the health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) which includes strict social distancing practice and mandatory wearing of face masks. 

Tickets for Lotto 6/42 and Megalotto 6/45 will be initially sold starting 4 August at a lower price, said the agency.  

Meanwhile, PCSO will conduct catch-up draws for tickets bought prior to the suspension of operations in March.  

According to the official announcement posted on the agency’s website, catch-up draws started on 20 July 2020 for regular play and advanced tickets sold prior to suspension of operations in 17 March. These draws will be broadcast across the agency’s official Facebook page and Youtube channel and on a delayed telecast on government owned PTV Channel 4.  

This is not the first time lotto operations have been out of action – late last year a temporary ban on lotto operations was lifted last year by President Duterte after it was suspended due to claims of massive corruption.

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