Philippine lawmakers have passed a bill that regulates this blood sport. Previously, it was illegal to bet on cockfighting games online or participate in any other form of online gambling, but this bill removes that prohibition. Legislators have also begun awarding legislative licenses for off-site betting stations and live broadcasts. However, e-sabong still operates in a gray area.
e-sabong
Embracing the opulence of Greek cockfighting, e-sabong cockfights are taking the Philippine cockfighting scene online. The Philippines has a long history of cockfighting, dating back to pre-colonial times, but it is now making a “game-changing” move to the online world. E-sabong, a local term for electronic betting, allows people to watch cockfights without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. In fact, people can watch cockfights online in a variety of ways, including through streaming sites, YouTube, apps, and online cockfighting forums.
Last month, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte proclaimed a ban on e-sabong, a bloodsport involving two roosters sparring to the death. Despite the ban, e-sabong has continued to operate in the Philippines and continues to generate hundreds of millions of pesos in government revenue. But many people are worried that if the Philippine government bans e-sabong, it will drive small-time operators to a more illegal existence.
Sabong betting
In the Philippines, cockfighting, or Sabong, is an ancient tradition. During Sabong bouts, punters bet on which cock will win a game. Although cockfighting is illegal in many countries, sabong betting is still common. The Philippines offers punters the opportunity to participate in this unique activity online. It also allows them to bet on cockfighting games from the comfort of their own homes.
The best place to place a bet on sabong in the Philippines is a regulated cockpit. Although illegal cockpits do exist all over the country, these are less safe places to place a bet. Most regulated pits are licensed by the Philippine Association of Gaming Control (PAGCOR).
Regulation of cockfighting in cockpit arenas
The Philippine government’s National Inter-Agency Task Force has directed the city of Mandaue to review an ordinance that allows cockpits to operate on weekdays. Despite the ban on cockfighting, the Philippines continues to allow civilians to own and operate cockpits. However, the local government still has strict rules on where these types of events are allowed. According to the National Inter-Agency Task Force, these arenas should not be located near schools, commercial establishments, or houses of worship.
According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, a cockfighting license is required. This license gives owners the right to hold cockfights for entertainment purposes and fund-raising campaigns. The Philippine government also has the right to approve a license for a cockpit to hold cockfighting events. During a local fiesta, cockfights can only be held on designated days.
Addiction to e-sabong
Among the many challenges faced by addiction treatment centers in the Philippines is e-sabong, a popular form of online gambling that is culturally tolerated and popular in the Philippines. Despite its popularity, e-sabong has led to the suicide of people and the destruction of their families. The Philippine National Police chief has warned his 225,000-member force to stay away from the vice. The advisory comes in light of an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 31’sabungeros’.
In a radio interview, Dela Rosa said that it would be difficult to suspend e-sabong licenses, and admitted that a suspension of the games is unlikely. But the Senate voted to suspend the games while an investigation is underway. PAGCOR has enlisted the help of the media, and lawmakers in the House of Representatives and Senate operate the cockpits. A multi-agency investigation has also been ordered.
Impact of e-sabong on traditional cockfighters
President Rodrigo R. Duterte recently rejected calls to ban online cockfighting games in the Philippines, saying the game is a popular source of government revenue. Opponents, such as Senator Leila de Lima, argued that legalizing e-sabong will help strengthen a network of gambling lords, increasing their influence over local and national politics. Many people have argued that legalizing the game will only serve to exacerbate the negative effects of gambling, namely, prostitution, human trafficking, and kidnapping.
The e-sabong platform is a growing trend in the Philippines, with reports of fans pawning their assets to bet on WPC2026 cockfights. Since the ban on cockfighting games in the country expired last October, the DILG has stepped in to legitimize online sabong and make it a safer and more lucrative activity. The government hopes that this will help protect the interests of bettors and help regulate the online version of cockfighting.