Is Sabong allowed in the Philippines?

Sabong is one of the most controversial but, at the same time, very popular bloodsports in the Philippines. Many locals love this bloodsport, and it is part of their lives as breeders of fighting roosters that compete in small-time local cockpits. In contrast, others breed fighting roosters for a living, competing in official tournaments that bring international breeders to the Philippines. To correct that, sabong IS NOT illegal in the Philippines, but e-sabong may be quite different.

But what about the “yes” answer? While Sabong allowed in the Philippines, online sabong is illegal. At present, e-sabong is an illegal gaming activity in the Philippines, which perhaps might not make sense to a lot of people since local cockpit fights are still legal.

Why is E-Sabong Illegal in the Philippines?

E-sabong became illegal in the Philippines for several reasons, including the following:

• Minor playing online sabong.
• Addiction
• Illegal activity by entities not authorized to do so.
• Government’s Response

With these concerns in mind, the Philippine government ordered Executive Order No. 09, putting a damper on all e-sabong activities. It halted online betting and broadcasting cockfights, hence the shutting down of the e-sabong industry. Regardless of the gigantic income from e-sabong, which reportedly rakes in ₱640 million per month, the government opted to put appreciable public welfare over profit.

Since the ban, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has been hard at work cracking down on illegal e-sabong operators. However, the problem is still around, as hundreds of online platforms operate. Many adapted to pre-recorded matches instead of live streams. Others shifted their businesses to using foreign servers as moderators for the continued operation of their businesses. These international online platforms often target Filipino players who can then access and play on the sites using VPNs and other tools to get around local restrictions.

Is Sabong allowed in the Philippines?

The answer is yes, but e-sabong is another story.

What Happened with E-Sabong after It Was Banned?

It did not totally disappear even after the ban. Some of its operators still found ways to keep e-sabong running by merely making minor changes on their platforms. These include:

Pre-recorded fights. Some sites started to offer pre-recorded cockfights as a means of getting around the prohibition against live broadcasting. Masked Operations: To keep such an operation private, even on-site staff or personnel of some operators had to be masked for the privacy of the staff and players. International Sites: Most Filipino enthusiasts of e-sabong have been wagering on international platforms using VPNs to mask the location of their IP. As much as this can guarantee anonymity, it isn’t that foolproof, and there’s always a likelihood of losing money through unauthorized sites.\

Should You Bet on E-Sabong?

The choice is yours. While e-sabong remains illegal in the Philippines, some players continue to find ways to bet through international platforms. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved, including legal consequences and the potential for scams. Using VPNs and registering on foreign sites may seem like a workaround, but it’s a grey area that can still lead to issues.

What Does the Future Hold for Sabong in the Philippines?

At Sabong Philippines, SuperPH remains dedicated to providing our readers with valuable information about the sport of sabong, including tips on raising gamefowl, the latest news on tournaments, and in-depth guides on various gamefowl breeds. While we don’t condone illegal gambling, we support the preservation of traditional sabong as part of Filipino culture. For those who enjoy the sport, there are still plenty of legal ways to participate in local arenas and official events.

We also encourage all players to gamble responsibly and avoid risky behavior that could lead to addiction or legal trouble. Sabong is meant to be enjoyed as a sport, not a livelihood, and we advise everyone to approach it with the right mindset.

Conclusion Is Sabong allowed in the Philippines?

While sabong is not really illegal itself, aficionados can still engage in this bloodsport at home or in professional arenas. International online casinos or sabong platforms could be the next best thing being looked upon by persistent bettors, where they continue their bets on sabong matches while using VPNs to keep their activities private.

We cannot control it, but we can only advise you to gamble responsibly and avoid gambling for a living.