PCSO to use RFID-powered balls, improved machines in lotto draws
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MANILA, Philippines — The private contractors of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on Tuesday that the agency is set to use radio frequency identification (RFID)-powered balls and improved machines to serve its clients better.
In a statement, Jonico Technologies System and Services Inc. and Smartplay International Inc. said that lotto draws would adopt the new system and machinery “to uphold the integrity of the gaming operations in the country.”
Smartplay International, Inc. vice president Darrel Smith (left) and Jonico Technologies System and Services, Inc chief operating officer Adrian Cobarrubias show to the media the new and more advanced lotto machines procured by the PCSO that are set to be delivered in October 2023. Photo from Jonico
The RFID-powered balls, made of foam with electronic chips inside, will replace the old ping-pong ones, according to Smartplay Vice President Daniel Smith.
Smith said the new balls — which had been subjected to more than 3,000 tests — would ensure the credibility and accuracy of each draw.
“None of the test yield similar results, all the results completely independent and different from each draw, and no results were duplicated or replicated,” Adrian Cobarrubias, chief operating officer of Jonico Ventures, said.
He added that new lotto machines were given the signal to proceed after his company submitted all requirements for procurement.
Cobarrubias said his company would start the delivery of the new machines this October.
“At least 100 units of new lotto and Small-Town Lottery machines and draw balls and other paraphernalia were ordered by the PCSO to replace the 20-year-old existing lotto machines,” he said.
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