How to Play PCSO Lotto: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) lotto has been a favorite pastime for Filipinos for decades. It is known for its exciting number combinations and life changing rewards, each draw captures the attention of millions nationwide.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about PCSO from how to play PCSO lotto, the types of draws available, and how to safely claim prizes. All details are unofficially verified with PCSO.

What Are the Types of PCSO Lotto Games?

The PCSO has a range of lotto games, each with its own prize structure and draw schedule. Below are the main games available in the Philippines:

• Ultra Lotto 6/58 – Choose 6 numbers from 1 to 58. Jackpot starts at ₱50 million.
• Grand Lotto 6/55 – Select 6 numbers from 1 to 55. Jackpot begins at ₱30 million.
• Super Lotto 6/49 – Pick 6 numbers from 1 to 49. Jackpot starts at ₱16 million.
• Mega Lotto 6/45 – Choose 6 numbers from 1 to 45. Jackpot begins at ₱9 million.
• 6/42 Lotto – Select 6 numbers from 1 to 42. Jackpot starts at ₱6 million.

There are also daily draws for smaller format games that are available like 6D, 4D, 3D, and 2D Lotto, offering quicker results and smaller but more frequent draw.

How to Play PCSO Lotto Step-by-Step

1. Learning how to play PCSO lotto is just simple and straightforward. You can follow these steps to join:
2. Choose the lotto game you want to play. Decide which draw to join, such as 6/58, 6/45, or 3D Lotto.
3. Get a playslip. Obtain an official playslip from any authorized PCSO outlet.
4. Mark your numbers. You can select your preferred numbers or choose “Lucky Pick” for a random selection.
5. Consider how many draws you want to join. You can join a single draw or multiple draws by marking your playslip accordingly.
6. Pay the ticket price. Each combination costs ₱20, depending on the draw type.
7. Keep your ticket safe. Make sure that your numbers are printed are correctly and store the ticket securely.
8. Be updated and check the official results. Results are announced live on television, in newspapers, and posted on the PCSO website.

The draws for 6/42, 6/45, 6/49, 6/55, and 6/58 are held on different schedules. For 2D and 3D Lotto there are multiple daily draws. Always confirm the latest draw times before playing.

Where Can You Join PCSO Lotto?

You participate in PCSO lotto draws by going to any authorized PCSO outlet nationwide. These terminals are commonly located in malls, convenience stores, and major retail areas. Outlets issue official tickets that are valid for claiming prizes.

To keep updated with draw schedules and verified results, visit reliable lotto sites such as PCSO Lotto Results Today or PCSO Draw Live on Youtube. These pages provide verified announcements for every draw.

How to Claim PCSO Lotto Prizes

If your numbers that you picked match the winning combination, congratulations! Here’s how are the steps on how you can claim your prize depending on the amount:

₱20 to ₱10,000 – Claimable at any authorized PCSO outlet.

₱10,001 to ₱300,000 – Claimable at any PCSO branch office.

₱300,001 and above – Must be claimed at the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City.

Don’t forget to bring your winning ticket and valid government-issued ID, and then fill out a PCSO prize claim form. Note that prizes above ₱10,000 are subject to a 20% tax as required by the TRAIN Law. Don’t forget to always sign the back of your ticket before claiming.

What Happens When No One Wins?

If no participant wins the jackpot, the prize “rolls over” to the next draw—making future jackpots even larger. This is a rollover system has helped create some of the biggest prizes in Philippine lotto history, particularly for 6/58 Ultra Lotto.

How PCSO Lotto Helps Fund Charity Programs

Every ticket purchased from PCSO lotto ticket contributes to public service. A significant portion of the revenue goes to the following sectors healthcare, medical aid, and charitable programs across the Philippines. Well, this means that even if your combination doesn’t match the winning numbers, you’re still supporting meaningful initiatives that help communities nationwide.

Reminders Before Joining PCSO Lotto

1. Purchase your tickets only from authorized PCSO outlets.
2. Make sure your ticket clean, dry, and signed before claiming. Keep it in a safe place.
3. Claim prizes within one year from the draw date.
4. Be updated and verify results through official PCSO channels only.

Now that you know how the PCSO lotto works, you can join one of the Philippines’ most recognized traditions with confidence. It’s not only about matching numbers but also about contributing to a charitable cause that helps countless Filipinos. Always double-check results and claim guidelines with official PCSO sources before making any transaction.

Written by Cece Jacinto, PCSO observer and data hobbyist since 2016. Updated November 2025. For corrections, email us contact@lottopinoy.com.