NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENA5^74
S.B. No. (SO/4
Senate
of tijc' fec-trfMrp
23 AUG “1 A11 :20
RIXEIVEO B\
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE ONLINE PLACING OF BETS FOR ALL LOTTO GAMES AND
ALL INSTANT PAPER GAMES
Explanatory Note
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) is scheduled to launch the 
digitalization of the lotto games, or the digitalization of gambling, with the intention 
to increase revenue for the government. This initiative is being undertaken by PCSO 
despite serious concerns from a number of stakeholders, namely:
1. The anonymity and ease of access to online gambling poses grave risks the 
public, especially minors and individuals;
2. There is uncertainty in the possible increase in revenue to be generated 
through online gambling;
3. The Philippines' cybersecurity capacity is still maturing; and
4. The digitalization of lotto games or the digitalization of gambling will result to 
massive unemployment. Lotto Agents who are mostly small entrepreneurs, 
retirees, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and former Overseas Filipino 
Workers will be primarily displaced. The launching of a web-based app will kill 
the entire existence of Lotto Agents.


The bill aims to address these issues by expressly prohibiting the online placing 
of bets for all lotto games and instant paper games including digit games, Small Town 
Lottery (STL) and other Instant Paper Games as defined by the PCSO 2022 Revised 
Rules. It is the policy of the State to protect the values and the well-being of its citizens 
and aims to protect them from the potential adverse effects of uncontrolled online 
gambling.
The proposed bill strives to safeguard public welfare, protect vulnerable 
Individuals, and encourage responsible gambling practices, thereby contributing to a 
safer and more regulated gambling landscape in the nation.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly
sought.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2374
Ornate
^'''OiUiP of tljc Stt -eliirjj
23 AUG-1 All :19
RECEIVED
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT
PROHIBITING THE ONLINE PLACING OF BETS FOR ALL LOTTO GAMES AND
ALL INSTANT PAPER GAMES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
1 
Section 1. The placing of all bets for all Lottery Games, Including digit games,
2 
Small Town Lottery (STL) and other Instant Paper Games as defined by the PCSO
3 
2022 Revised Rules and Regulations shall only be done physically and only in
4 
authorized Lotto Outlets.
5
6 
The online placing of bets thru mobile phones, laptops, tablets, personal computers
7 
and other similar gadgets, for all lottery games and all Instant Paper Games are
8 
prohibited.
9 
Sec 2. Any changes In the system and procedures to play all Lottery Games
10 
which have impact on revenue generation, livelihood of the lotto agents, and the
11 
charity mandate of PCSO, shall be made public to affected stakeholders and subject
12 
to the approval of the Office of the President.
13 
Sec 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
14 
regulations, issuance or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are
15 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


1 
Sec 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
2 
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved^