16 Arrested For Illegal Online Raffle On Facebook

Sixteen individuals were apprehended by the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) representatives for running an illegal online raffle on Facebook.

Lucky Dream 4 has been conducting live online raffle games and offering second-hand modified motorcycles as prizes. I Photo: Lucky Dream 4 Facebook

The suspects, operating under the Facebook Page "Lucky Dream 4," were caught in the act inside their office within a subdivision in Biñan, Laguna, while live-streaming their 50th raffle event.

Alejandro H. Tengco, Chairman and CEO of PAGCOR, emphasized that the arrests were part of the agency's commitment to combat illegal online gambling through enhanced collaboration with law enforcement.

"We have been receiving reports of illegal online activities, including those on social media platforms. As the country's gaming regulator, it is our duty to protect the public—especially the youth—from these illegal online gambling sites," said Tengco.

According to Raul Villanueva, Senior Vice President of PAGCOR, Lucky Dream 4 has been conducting live online raffle games and offering second-hand modified motorcycles as prizes.

Villanueva noted that the group has accumulated substantial earnings, with one raffle generating up to Php1.8 million.

Furthermore, Villanueva highlighted that the majority of the group's members are youth, with the eldest being only 27 years old.

"Lucky Dream 4 is clearly involved in illegal online gaming activity. They are conducting a business. They need to obtain a license from PAGCOR if they intend to operate an online gaming platform," added Villanueva.

In response, PAGCOR advises individuals engaged in similar activities to reconsider and register their online gaming operations with the agency. Failure to do so may result in consequences, as PAGCOR works closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent the proliferation of illegal activities.