The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) reached Level 3 of the World Lottery Association’s responsible gaming certification in just two years, a process that normally takes six.
In addition, PCSO General Manager Melquiades “Mel” Robles has been elected Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, the first Filipino ever to hold the position.
In an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on September 19, PCSO Assistant General Manager Atty. Atty. Lyssa Grace Pagano described the international recognition as a reflection of PCSO’s institutional improvements and commitment to responsible gaming standards.
Pagano explained that the World Lottery Association’s responsible gaming certification has multiple levels: Level 1 is granted upon membership, and each subsequent level requires demonstrating progress across several areas including addiction prevention, advertising clarity, prohibition of minors from playing, and active suppression of illegal numbers games.
“Level 1, magbayad ka membership, Level 1. Tapos you have to work on the Level 2. There are several aspects dun. ‘Yung bang may naaadik ba sa game mo? Naiintindihan ba ng mga tao ‘yung ads? Magkano ‘yung tinataya nila? ‘Yung mga illegal, nilalabanan ba ng organization niyo?” Pagano said.
Pagano said PCSO reached Level 2 in one year and Level 3 in the following year, moving at three times the normal pace and earning in two years what organizations typically take six to achieve.
“As an institution internationally, the Philippines has been recognized, PCSO has been recognized, kasi in a matter of two years nakuha namin. One year kuha namin Level 2, after one year Level 3. Normally the cycle is three years to get one level,” Pagano said.
Robles said the election as APLA Vice Chairman is a recognition of the institution rather than of him personally — a signal from the Asia Pacific lottery community that PCSO has demonstrated the governance, performance, and responsible gaming standards expected of a regional leader.
