The Philippine lottery system is a non-profit organisation that allows many people the opportunity to try their luck and win millions of pesos to change their lives. Those who are business-minded can likewise turn to opening a lotto outlet by becoming an agent for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

PCSO technically does not offer franchise opportunities. But entrepreneurs can become agents of PCSO and earn a living from it much like owning a franchise. What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a PCSO lotto agent?

Advantages

 A lotto outlet is very lucrative because it attracts customers regardless of gender, age and economic standing. Lottery tickets are also relatively cheap; for customers, the stakes are very low and this encourages them to continue to buy them. Many people have also turned lotto into a habit that cannot be broken; some even placing more than one bet at a time.

Disadvantages

While owning a lotto outlet can mean having a long-term consistent source of income, getting one is very difficult. PCSO has very strict requirements about the applicant, the location, security measures and devices that will be evaluated on-site by representatives of the organisation. It may take a while for entrepreneurs to be able to fulfill the requirements:  time, effort and initial capital are needed before applicants become approved agents of PCSO.

Requirements

The basic requirements are as follows:

Individual applicants must be:

• Filipino citizens
• At least 21 years old

Corporations must be:

• Registered under Philippine laws
• 100% Filipino-owned

If the applicant fits these descriptions, then other documents to prepare for submission include:

Individual applicants:

1. Three recent 2×2 ID pictures
2. Two valid IDs
3. Proof of income:
   1. Employed

i.      Income tax return

ii.      Certificate of employment

1. Self-employed

i.      Income tax return

ii.      Business registration for existing business

1. Latest NBI clearance
2. Latest barangay clearance

Corporations:

1. Biodata of directors and officers
2. Certified true copy of SEC Registration, Articles of Incorporation and By-laws
3. Secretary Certificate or Board Resolution authorising representatives of the company
   1. Three recent 2×2 ID pictures of the representative
   2. Two valid IDs
   3. Latest NBI clearance
   4. Income tax return

An application fee of Php2,500 should also be paid to the PCSO Treasury Department or Cashier.