The government is calling on illegal gambling operators to “go legal” and join the expanded Small Town Lottery operations.
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has announced the expansion of the STL operations to put an end to illegal gambling and generate more funds to bankroll its charity programs.
“As we formally launch the expanded Small Town Lottery here in Malacañang, we finally draw the line and declare that it’s time to put a stop to illegal gambling,” PCSO General Manager Alexander Balutan said in a news conference.
“Today, we declare that the Small Town Lottery is the only legal and authorized numbers game nationwide. To all illegal gambling operators, we offer you both an invitation and a warning: Go legal,” Balutan said.
As part of the expansion program, PCSO Chairman Jose Jorge Corpuz said they plan to grant 56 more permits to gaming corporations to operate STL this year from the existing 18.
The agency expects to generate a minimum of P27.8 billion from the expanded STL operations this year, according to Corpuz.
The funds generated from STL program will contribute to the government’s health and medical services for the poor, PCSO officials said.
“As the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for charity, we at the PCSO are confident that the expanded Small Town Lottery will only increase needed funds for the charity services or boost revenues for the government but spearhead a nationwide change that we have all longed for,” Balutan said.
To those who will continue with their illegal gambling operations, Corpuz said the PCSO has partnered with the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies step up the campaign against them.
The PNP has launched a “double barrel” operation to arrest those involved in illegal operations, he said.
(Genalyn D. Kabiling)
