Pagcor, Philweb tie up for text-based raffle

Beginning June this year, consumers may have a chance to win major prizes in a text-based raffle system to be implemented by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in partnership with listed information technology firm Philweb Corp.

The text-based raffle program is aimed at plugging the loophole in government’s revenue collections, estimated at over P50 billion annually, and encouraging the public to habitually ask receipts for their purchases, thereby compelling business establishments to issue receipts.

Under the agreement, Pagcor will manage the raffle system while Philweb will provide all the hardware and software requirements, including the publicity and promotions program.

Smart Communications has agreed to be the lead mobile services provider for the raffle program, dubbed as "Premyo sa Resibo." Globe Telecoms and Digital Telecommunications Philippines Inc. will likewise be invited to participate in the program.

Philweb said consumers have a chance to win as much as P100 million in raffle prizes each week.

At a minimal cost per SMS (short messaging service), consumers can text their receipt details to Premyo sa Resibo and will receive a confirmation number which will be their raffle ticket entry.

The SMS-based raffle will be conducted under the auspices of Pagcor, Philweb said.

"We are optimistic that Premyo sa Resibo shall be instrumental in a dramatic increase in revenue collections nationwide," Philweb said.

Philweb said Premyo sa Resibo will be launched on June 1, 2006 with all receipts qualifying for prizes from that date with the first draw to be held on Aug. 1, 2006. Thereafter, weekly draws with gradually increasing prizes will be conducted by Pagcor for all receipts entered the previous week.

Philweb started as an Internet service provider (ISP) six years ago. In 2003, it exited from the ISP business and focused on Internet gaming.

In 2002, Philweb was appointed the exclusive partner of Next Generation Inc., an Antigua-based gaming company specializing in sports-based Internet, including NBA basketball games, European football, and other international sports betting.

To allow it to focus on Internet sports betting and Internet gaming, which are now its core businesses, Philweb has agreed to integrate its Internet service provider (ISP) products and services with those offered by Singapore-registered Edsamail Holdings Pte. Ltd.

In March 2004, Pagcor had given Philweb the license to operate an online casino.