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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCSO underscores responsible gaming: 'Play safe, play fun, and within your means'

PCSO underscores responsible gaming: 'Play safe, play fun, and within your means'

Players reminded to use only disposable income for lottery bets

Published Oct 29, 2025 10:42 pm

At A Glance

  • PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles emphasized that the lottery should remain a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment—not a financial burden—and reminded players to bet only with money they can afford to lose.
  • Through the 2025 APLA conference, PCSO showcased its Responsible Gaming certification and its ongoing efforts toward ethical play, digital transformation, and collaborative governance within the international lottery community.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles (right) and Allwyn Group CEO Robert Chvátal underscore the importance of responsible gaming during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference at City of Dreams Manila, highlighting the Philippines’ leadership in promoting ethical and innovative lottery practices. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles (right) and Allwyn Group CEO Robert Chvátal underscore the importance of responsible gaming during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference at City of Dreams Manila, highlighting the Philippines’ leadership in promoting ethical and innovative lottery practices. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
Emphasizing that playing the lottery should always remain a form of safe and enjoyable entertainment—not a financial risk—the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Wednesday, October 29, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting responsible gaming during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference in Manila.
In a press conference at the City of Dreams Manila, PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles highlighted that while the lottery supports various charitable programs, players must exercise moderation and discipline in their participation.
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles highlights the agency’s commitment to responsible gaming and public service excellence at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference in Manila. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
PCSO General Manager Melquiades A. Robles highlights the agency’s commitment to responsible gaming and public service excellence at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference in Manila. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
“The safest way to bet is to use disposable funds,” Robles said. “We remind our players to only use their disposable income—that itself is a limiting factor,” he added.
Robles explained that the lottery differs from other forms of gambling, such as casinos, because it is a “bet-and-forget” type of game.
Compared to highly engaging gaming formats that can consume time and attention, Robles noted that lottery participation does not interfere with daily routines or productivity.
“Unlike other games that are engaging, you can work and bet,” he said. “We continue to remind people to play safe and play fun—and not to the extent of disrupting your normal life and spending.”
Robles assured that the PCSO will continue to strengthen its responsible gaming initiatives, ensuring that Filipinos can enjoy the thrill of lottery games while maintaining financial balance and social responsibility.
He also noted that PCSO has ongoing awareness campaigns aligned with its goal to uphold integrity and public trust in its operations.
PCSO hosts APLA 2025
This year, the Philippines once again takes center stage in the regional lottery and gaming industry as the PCSO hosts the APLA Conference 2025 in Manila from October 28 to 31.
The four-day event brings together top lottery officials, policymakers, and industry experts from across the region.
With the theme “The Future of Lotteries: Thriving in an Era of Uncertainty,” the conference explores how lotteries can adapt to technological innovation, shifting market dynamics, and increasing public expectations for transparency and responsible gaming.
Robles said the Philippines’ hosting of APLA 2025 highlights renewed international confidence in the transparency, integrity, and leadership of the Philippine lottery system.
“Hosting this year’s APLA is a profound recognition of the trust and integrity that our country has earned in the global gaming community,” Robles said. “It reaffirms that the Philippines stands as a credible, responsible, and forward-looking player in the international lottery industry.”
The APLA 2025 Conference features a distinguished lineup of international experts addressing critical issues shaping the future of the gaming industry.
PCSO showcases global trust and leadership
During the press briefing, Robles was joined by Allwyn Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Chvátal. 

Allwyn Group CEO Robert Chvátal emphasizes the importance of responsible gaming and innovation in the lottery industry during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference in Manila. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
Allwyn Group CEO Robert Chvátal emphasizes the importance of responsible gaming and innovation in the lottery industry during the 2025 Asia-Pacific Lottery Association (APLA) Conference in Manila. (John Louie Abrina / Manila Bulletin)
Both underscored the significance of the event in fostering collaboration among government-sanctioned lotteries across the region.
Under Robles’ leadership, the PCSO has strengthened its position as a trusted and responsible gaming institution.
The agency’s Responsible Gaming Level 2 certification and its ongoing pursuit of Level 3 accreditation reflect its commitment to international standards of ethical play and accountability.
“This distinction, awarded by the world’s leading authority on lottery governance, underscores our dedication to promoting fairness, integrity, and player protection,” Robles added.
Beyond responsible gaming, discussions at APLA 2025 focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and collaborative governance—key pillars that will define the future of lotteries worldwide.
The PCSO emphasized that the conference underscores the Philippines’ growing role as a regional leader in responsible and innovative lottery operations, providing a platform for dialogue on how public gaming institutions can generate charitable funds while upholding integrity and player protection.

Related Tags

APLA Conference 2025 PCSO Melquiades Robles Asia-Pacific Lottery Association responsible gaming lottery innovation Philippines lottery industry
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