Lotto sales posted a sharp surge in early February after the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office rolled out higher minimum jackpot prizes, underscoring renewed public enthusiasm for the country’s lottery games and confidence in the updated prize structure.
Data released by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office showed that total Lotto sales from February 1 to 7, 2026 reached ₱413.83 million, a 38.3 percent increase from ₱299.17 million recorded in the same period last year.
The growth followed the launch of higher starting jackpots across major Lotto games, allowing players to vie for bigger prizes from the very first draw.
Beyond higher sales, PCSO also recorded a rise in participation, with the number of Lotto tickets sold climbing 10.7 percent year-on-year during the same week.
The agency said the figures point to stronger engagement as players respond to the improved value proposition of larger minimum jackpots combined with the familiar progressive jackpot system.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades Robles said the results affirm the public’s positive reception of the changes. He noted that offering more attractive prizes at the outset has made Lotto games more exciting while maintaining fairness, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Robles added that the rise in sales also reflects growing trust in the Philippine lottery system. According to him, increased participation translates directly into greater funding for PCSO’s health, medical, and social welfare programs, which support Filipinos in need across the country.
The higher minimum jackpot scheme, implemented starting February 1, is part of PCSO’s broader push to modernize its Lotto operations and align them with internationally accepted gaming practices.
The agency said these reforms are designed not only to boost interest but also to strengthen the integrity and credibility of lottery gaming in the Philippines.
PCSO reiterated its call for responsible play and urged the public to rely only on official channels for accurate information on draws and prizes.
Robles also warned against illegal gambling, stressing that patronizing unauthorized operators exposes bettors to fraud and deprives the government of funds that help sustain vital social services.