PCSO Lotto Outlet Guide (Philippines)
This guide summarizes the requirements, application steps, bonds, and typical commissions for opening a PCSO lotto outlet in the Philippines, based on publicly available PCSO information.
What you'll learn in this PCSO lotto outlet guide
This PCSO lotto outlet guide for the Philippines explains who can apply, minimum site standards, the step-by-step application process with PCSO, and the key fees and bonds you must prepare.
For related setup topics, you may also want to read our Government IDs Step-by-Step Guide, Barangay Business Permit Guide, and Business Registration & Bank Account Guide.
Para ma-visualize kung kaya mo ang application fees, booth construction, at cash/surety bond, puwede mong gamitin ang Budget Calculator para pagsamahin ang one-time at recurring costs kasama ang inaasahang commissions, ang Electricity Calculator para sa buwanang kuryente ng terminal, ilaw, at bentilasyon, at ang Task Management System para ayusin ang daily routines tulad ng opening/closing, cash count, at remittance deadlines.
Requirements to start a PCSO lotto outlet
To operate a lotto outlet in the Philippines, applicants must be Filipino citizens aged 18 or older or 100% Filipino-owned corporations, and secure approval from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
- Proposed sites must generally be at least 100 meters from existing lotto outlets or elementary/secondary schools.
- At least 200 meters away from PCSO draw courts.
- Minimum floor space of about 2m x 2m with proper ventilation.
- Location should face high foot traffic (terminals, markets, busy streets, etc.).
Step-by-step application process
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Get and file the lotto application form.
Fill out the PCSO lotto application form (free from PCSO offices) and attach initial documents: simple site sketch or Google map plus vicinity photos.
Submit the form and attachments to the PCSO Main Office (NCR) or your relevant PCSO branch office.
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Pay the application fee.
Pay the ₱2,500 application fee per site to PCSO Treasury or branch cashier (valid for a specific period, often 2 years).
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Wait for initial site inspection.
Within about 5 working days, PCSO will evaluate your application and conduct a site inspection if the location passes initial screening.
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Submit additional documents if site is approved.
Once you receive notice of a favorable site inspection, you typically have 5 days to submit additional requirements:
- Two valid IDs (at least one government-issued).
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of income (e.g., bank statements, business permits, ITR, etc.).
- NBI clearance. (For corporations: SEC registration documents, recent Audited Financial Statements, and board resolution.)
- Proof of site rights: barangay certificate, existing business permit, or notarized lease/authority to use the space.
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Build the booth and pay the installation fee.
After approval, you are usually given around 15 days to build a booth or prepare the outlet following PCSO design and size guidelines.
Submit clear interior and exterior photos of the completed outlet, then pay the ₱10,000 installation fee.
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Post the required bond.
PCSO requires either a cash bond or a surety bond as security:
- Cash bond: typically ₱300,000 (NCR), ₱200,000 (cities outside NCR), ₱100,000 (municipalities).
- Surety bond: often ₱700,000 coverage via GSIS or authorized insurer, with about ₱13,864 premium for 2 years (figures may change; confirm with PCSO/GSIS).
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Sign the agency agreement and training.
Once your bond and outlet are cleared, sign the PCSO agency agreement, attend about 1 day of training, and prepare the site for final inspection and terminal installation.
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Terminal installation and start of operations.
PCSO or its authorized vendor installs the lotto terminal and validates connectivity and reporting. After this, your outlet is activated and may start selling.
Key fees and costs
| Fee / Bond | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | ₱2,500 per site | Paid upfront; typically valid and renewable every 2 years. |
| Installation Fee | ₱10,000 | One-time fee after booth photos and approval. |
| Cash Bond | ₱100,000–₱300,000 | Tiered by location (municipality, city, NCR); zero-interest deposit. |
| Surety Bond | ~₱13,864 (2 years) | GSIS premium for ~₱700,000 coverage (figures may change; confirm with GSIS/PCSO). |
Additional costs include booth construction, NBI clearance, and basic supplies. PCSO does not charge a traditional franchise fee, but you must maintain the required bond.
Commissions are usually around 4–5% of sales plus potential jackpot bonuses (up to about ₱500,000 for big wins routed through your outlet).
Final reminders
Ang isang PCSO lotto outlet ay heavily regulated, kaya importante na sundan mo ang pinaka-latest PCSO circulars and announcements. Laging i-verify ang requirements, bonds, at commission structure directly with PCSO before mag-commit ng malaking capital.
Mas maganda rin kung kaya mong mag-model ng worst-case at best-case sales scenarios gamit ang sariling budget sheet o digital tools para mas makita kung gaano kalaki ang risk at gaano katagal ang possible na balik ng puhunan.