Why Knowing the PCSO Draw Schedule Matters
If you've ever bought a ticket for Lotto 6/42 on a Friday only to realize the draw was the night before, you know the pain. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) runs multiple draws daily, but not every game plays every day. Mixing up the schedule can cost you a winning opportunity—or at least a few pesos on a ticket that won't be drawn until later.
This guide breaks down the exact draw schedule for each game, day by day, so you can plan your bets with confidence. Whether you're a casual bettor who plays once a week or a daily regular, you'll find the times and game days you need below. We've also included practical tips on how to never miss a draw and how to claim prizes if you win.
The Complete PCSO Draw Schedule by Day
The PCSO holds draws every day of the week, but the lineup changes. Here's the daily breakdown for 2026.
Monday
- Lotto 6/42 – 9:00 PM
- Super Lotto 6/49 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL (Small Town Lottery) – Check with your local STL operator for exact times
Tuesday
- Grand Lotto 6/55 – 9:00 PM
- Mega Lotto 6/45 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Wednesday
- Lotto 6/42 – 9:00 PM
- Super Lotto 6/49 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Thursday
- Grand Lotto 6/55 – 9:00 PM
- Mega Lotto 6/45 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Friday
- Lotto 6/42 – 9:00 PM
- Super Lotto 6/49 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Saturday
- Grand Lotto 6/55 – 9:00 PM
- Mega Lotto 6/45 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Sunday
- Lotto 6/42 – 9:00 PM
- Super Lotto 6/49 – 9:00 PM
- 3D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- 2D Lotto – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM
- STL – Local schedules vary
Note: STL draws are conducted by authorized agents in different regions, so times may differ. Always confirm with your local STL operator.
Understanding the Major Lotto Games
The PCSO offers several pari-mutuel games, each with its own jackpot and draw frequency. Here's what you need to know about the big three.
Lotto 6/42
This is the most frequent major draw, happening four times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday). It's popular among beginners because the odds are relatively better than the larger games—1 in 5,245,786. Jackpots start at ₱6 million and roll over if no one wins.
Super Lotto 6/49
Drawn on the same days as Lotto 6/42, Super Lotto offers bigger jackpots with odds of 1 in 13,983,816. The starting jackpot is ₱15 million. If you're chasing a life-changing sum but still want decent odds, this is a sweet spot.
Grand Lotto 6/55
With draws on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Grand Lotto is the hardest to win (1 in 28,989,675) but offers the largest jackpots, starting at ₱29 million. It's the game that regularly makes headlines when the prize soars into the hundreds of millions.
Mega Lotto 6/45
Also drawn on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, Mega Lotto sits between Lotto 6/42 and Super Lotto in terms of difficulty (1 in 8,145,060). Starting jackpot is ₱8 million.
All these games use a 6-number selection from a pool, and you can play via the traditional bet slip or through the PCSO's online betting portal (where available).
Digit Games: 3D and 2D Lotto
If you prefer faster results and more frequent draws, the 3D and 2D Lotto games are for you. These are drawn three times daily, every day of the week, at 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM.
3D Lotto requires you to pick a three-digit combination (000 to 999). The odds are 1 in 1,000, and the payout for a straight bet is ₱4,500 for a ₱10 bet. You can also play permutations (rambol) for a higher chance but lower payout.
2D Lotto is even simpler: choose two digits (00 to 99). The odds are 1 in 100, and a straight bet pays ₱4,000 for a ₱10 stake. Again, rambol options are available.
Because these games are drawn multiple times a day, they're perfect for players who want instant gratification. Just remember that the cut-off for buying tickets is typically 15–30 minutes before each draw, so plan accordingly.
How to Never Miss a Draw
Missing a draw is frustrating, especially if your numbers come up. Here are some practical tips to stay on top of the schedule:
- Set reminders on your phone. If you always play Lotto 6/42 on Mondays, set a recurring alarm for 7:00 PM to buy your ticket before the 9:00 PM draw.
- Use the PCSO's official website or app. The PCSO posts draw schedules and results online. You can also check our PCSO Lotto Guide for daily updates.
- Buy tickets in advance. You can purchase tickets for future draws (up to 10 draws in advance for some games). This is great if you're going on vacation or have a busy week.
- Follow local lotto outlets on social media. Many outlets post reminders about draw times and cut-offs.
- Know the cut-off times. For the 9:00 PM major draws, the cut-off is usually 8:45 PM. For 3D/2D, it's about 15 minutes before each draw. Don't wait until the last minute.
Claiming Your Prize: What to Do If You Win
If you're lucky enough to match all the numbers, here's how to claim your prize. First, sign the back of your winning ticket immediately. This prevents anyone else from claiming it if lost. Then, check the PCSO's official results to confirm your win.
For prizes up to ₱10,000, you can claim at any PCSO lotto outlet or branch. For amounts between ₱10,001 and ₱200,000, go to a PCSO branch office. For jackpots above ₱200,000, you'll need to visit the PCSO Main Office in Mandaluyong City. Bring two valid IDs and your winning ticket. Prizes must be claimed within one year from the draw date, or they forfeit to the PCSO's charity fund.
Remember that prizes above ₱10,000 are subject to a 20% tax under the TRAIN law. So a ₱10 million jackpot nets you ₱8 million after tax. Plan accordingly.
Final Tips for Smart Play
Now that you know the schedule, use it to your advantage. Mix up your game selection: play the major lotto games for big dreams and the digit games for frequent small wins. Set a budget and stick to it—lotto is entertainment, not a retirement plan. And always play responsibly. If you ever feel that gambling is becoming a problem, seek help from the PCSO's responsible gaming program or local counseling services.
Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!
