Here’s the simplest way I explain PCSO games now:

• Lotto games are the “pick 6 numbers” games (like 6/42, 6/45, 6/49, 6/55, 6/58). These are the ones people usually think of as “jackpot games.”
  
• Digit games are the “pick digits” games like Swertres (3D), EZ2 (2D), 4D, and 6D. These usually feel faster and simpler.
  

And yes, this all makes more sense once you see how PCSO actually works (structure, charter, mandate), because PCSO is the system behind all of these games.

Why I wrote this (because I kept seeing the same confusion)

Since I post winning numbers daily, I notice patterns in how people talk about games.

A lot of people say “I played Lotto” when they really meant Swertres.
Others expect a “jackpot” from EZ2, even though EZ2 doesn’t really work like that.

So let me explain it like I’m explaining it to a friend at the sari-sari store. Simple words. No drama.

1) Lotto games: the “pick 6 numbers” jackpot-style games

When people say “Lotto,” they usually mean these games:

Ultra Lotto 6/58, Grand Lotto 6/55, Super Lotto 6/49, Mega Lotto 6/45, and Lotto 6/42.

Here’s what makes them “Lotto games”:

• You pick 6 numbers from a big set (like 1 to 58).
  
• You win bigger prizes when you match more numbers.
  
• The top prize can grow when nobody hits it (that’s what people mean by a rollover, which I explain in what is a jackpot rollover and why it happens).
  

These games feel “harder” because matching 6 numbers is tough. If you want the easy math version, I wrote Understanding Lotto Odds(a simple math guide) for that.

2) Swertres (3D): the “3-digit” game

Swertres is also called 3D Lotto.

You pick three digits (like 7-5-6). Then you check the draw results. PCSO runs 3D Lotto multiple times a day.

Why people mix it up:

• It’s under PCSO, so it feels like “Lotto.”
  
• But it’s not a “pick 6 numbers” jackpot game. It’s a digit game.
  

If you’ve ever heard someone say “Swertres jackpot,” that’s usually just a wording habit. The structure of the game is different.

3) EZ2 (2D): the “2-number” game

EZ2 is also called 2D Lotto.

You pick two numbers, then you check the result. Like Swertres, it’s drawn multiple times daily.

Why people love EZ2:

• It’s simple.
  
• It’s quick to understand.
  
• It’s easy to check without overthinking.
  

The big thing to remember: EZ2 is not in the same “jackpot style” family as the 6-number Lotto games.

4) 4D and 6D: longer digit games

These are still digit games, just longer:

• 4D Lotto = you choose 4 digits
  
• 6D Lotto = you choose 6 digits
  

A simple way to think about it:
Swertres is “short digits.”
4D and 6D are “long digits.”

Longer digits usually mean it’s harder to match exactly.

5) STL (Small Town Lottery): the “local-style” PCSO game

STL stands for Small Town Lottery.

You’ll often see STL results posted separately because it’s organized differently and has its own setup under PCSO.

Most players treat STL like a “daily check” game, the same way they check Swertres and EZ2 results, fast and routine.

A super simple cheat sheet (this is what I personally remember)

If you only remember one thing, make it this:

• Lotto (6/42–6/58 games) = pick 6 numbers, jackpot-style prizes
  
• EZ2 (2D) = pick 2 numbers
  
• Swertres (3D) = pick 3 digits
  
• 4D / 6D = pick 4 or 6 digits
  
• STL = local-style PCSO game (posted separately)
  

What this means for you as a player

Once you know the categories, you stop expecting the wrong thing.

You won’t expect “jackpot behavior” from EZ2.
You’ll know why Lotto games get so much attention when the prize grows.
And when someone says, “I played Lotto,” you’ll know to ask, “Which one, 6-number Lotto, or a digit game like Swertres?”

If you also want the “rules side” of this, like where the money goes and why PCSO talks so much about charity, my plain-English breakdown of how PCSO actually works (structure, charter, mandate) connects the dots.

Quick disclaimer (third-party site)

I’m sharing this as a simple guide on a third-party lotto results site. For official game rules, claiming, and disputes, always double-check PCSO’s official pages.

Conclusion

“PCSO games” isn’t just one game. Lotto is the pick-6-number world. Swertres and EZ2 are the digit/number games people check daily. 4D and 6D are longer digit versions. STL is its own local-style category.

References (APA)

• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (2025). PCSO Citizen’s Charter (2025 Edition). Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). 2D Lotto (How to Play). Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). 3D Lotto (How to Play). Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). 4D Lotto (How to Play). Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). 6D Lotto (How to Play). Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). Small Town Lottery. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. (n.d.). Search Lotto Draw Result by Date. Philippine Charity S