Two private contractors who provide the balls and machines for the draws Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) have introduced radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to the agency, which provides better transparency to better serve its bettors. *Smartplay International Inc. Vice President Daniel Smith (left) and JONICO Technologies System and Services Inc. Chief Operating Officer Adrian Cobbarubias show the new machines that make use of the RFID-enhanced balls. (Dhel Nazario/Manila Bulletin)* In an interview during the annual gaming convention held at the SMX Convention Center, executives of JONICO Technologies System and Services Inc., and Smartplay International Inc., disclosed that they have introduced this new system as well as the new types of machinery to PCSO that aim to uphold the integrity of the gaming operations in the country. In a document dated January 31, 2023, signed by PCSO General Manager Mel Robles that can be accessed on PCSO's website, both JONICO Technologies System and Services Inc., and Smartplay International Inc., were given the approval that it may deliver draw machines, draw balls, and other paraphernalia for the Lotto and Small Town Lottery (STL). However, PCSO has yet to confirm when it will utilize such technology for its draws. Daniel Smith, vice president of Smartplay told reporters that should the PCSO make use of this new technology, the old ping pong balls used in previous draws would be replaced with RFID-powered balls made of foam. Smith explained that since the new balls are loaded with a special RFID chip inside, it will ensure both the accuracy and integrity of every draw. While he explained that the draws made with ping pong balls are all accurate but never without controversy, it will be hard for anyone now to question the credibility and accuracy of every draw with the advent of this new technology. To assure their reliability, the balls were subjected to at least 3000 testing procedures. None of the tests yielded similar results, all the results were completely independent and different from each draw and no results were duplicated or replicated, explained Adrian Cobarrubias, chief operating officer of JONICO Ventures. Production of the balls is a rigorous process as it consists of a 24-step process including stringent quality control inspections as part of the Drawing Balls Validation System. At the time of manufacture, the balls are placed in matched sets with extremely close tolerances of weight and size. The ball sets are packed in foam-lined, lockable plastic cases. Smartplay and Jonico stated that they have been partners servicing PCSO and other local gaming operations such as STL for more than two decades already. Smartplay International, Inc. is a US-based company that designs, manufactures, and services mechanical lottery drawing machines and computerized digital lottery (RNG) drawing systems and trade shows in more than 120 countries.