PCSO earns WLA Level 2 certification for Responsible Gaming
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has earned the World Lottery Association (WLA) Level 2 Certification for Responsible Gaming, joining a select group of global lottery operators recognized for their efforts to promote responsible gaming practices.
The certification follows a recommendation from an independent assessment panel that acknowledged PCSO’s commitment to responsible gaming while fulfilling its mission to fund health and welfare programs.
The process included a detailed evaluation of PCSO’s initiatives, focusing on measures to prevent underage participation, reduce gaming-related risks, and educate the public on responsible gaming.
Lottery organizations that meet the WLA Responsible Gaming Framework guidelines are granted the Level 2 Certification. This recognition reflects PCSO’s development of policies, staff training programs, and strategies aimed at ensuring the safe and sustainable operation of its gaming activities.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Achieving the WLA Level 2 Certification demonstrates our ongoing commitment to balancing revenue generation for charitable causes with the promotion of responsible gaming.”
BANNER YEAR. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Mel Robles meets with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Malacañang Palace to present the awards and recognitions received by the agency during the past year. They also discussed important operational issues to further enhance PCSO's performance and services. With them is PMS chief Senior Undersecretary Elaine Masukat.
He added, “It highlights PCSO’s dedication to safeguarding the interests of players, stakeholders, and the communities we serve.”
The certification supports PCSO’s broader corporate social responsibility goals, focusing on player protection and promoting sustainable gaming practices.
Robles expressed confidence that the certification would enhance PCSO’s ability to raise funds for essential services such as medical assistance, disaster response, and livelihood programs for Filipinos.
“Looking ahead, the PCSO is dedicated to continuously enhancing its responsible gaming framework to achieve higher levels of WLA certification while fostering trust, transparency, and accountability among its stakeholders,” Robles said.
As the first Filipino elected to the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, Robles emphasized that this is just the beginning of PCSO’s effort to be recognized globally as a trustworthy and responsible lottery operator.