The Rise of E-sabong: From Traditional Sabong to Online Betting
Before e-sabong became a household term, cockfighting—known locally as sabong—was already a deeply rooted cultural tradition in the Philippines. For generations, Filipinos gathered at arenas on weekends to watch roosters battle it out, placing bets with kristos (bookies) in the stands. But the arrival of digital streaming and online payment systems changed everything.
E-sabong, or electronic sabong, took that centuries-old pastime and moved it to the internet. Licensed operators set up cameras inside cockpits, streamed fights live, and allowed bettors to wager through websites, apps, and even text messages. Suddenly, you didn't need to be in a crowded arena to join the action. You could be at home, in a car, or even at work—though that last one was a problem many critics would soon point out.
The industry exploded around 2019 and 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced physical cockpits to close, only accelerated the shift. With people stuck indoors and looking for entertainment and income, e-sabong operators saw a massive surge in users. By 2021, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was regulating and licensing these operations, and the revenue numbers were staggering.
At its peak, e-sabong was generating billions of pesos in monthly bets. Operators like Lucky 8 Star Quest, Belvedere Vista Corporation, and others ran multiple streams around the clock. The government collected hundreds of millions in taxes and fees. For a while, it seemed like e-sabong was the new normal—a modern twist on a traditional Filipino pastime.
The 2022 Shutdown: Why the Philippines Banned E-sabong
The good times didn't last. By early 2022, mounting concerns over the social costs of e-sabong reached a tipping point. The most high-profile issue was the disappearance of dozens of sabong enthusiasts and workers who had been involved in the industry. The case of Ricardo 'Jonjon' Lasco, a cockfighting aficionado who vanished in January 2022, became a flashpoint. He was among more than 30 people who went missing, allegedly because of unpaid debts or conflicts tied to e-sabong operations.
Senators launched investigations, and the public grew increasingly uneasy. Problem gambling, addiction, and the ease of betting from home—especially among young people—were cited as major red flags. The Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation reported a rise in crimes linked to e-sabong, from kidnapping to illegal online operations.
In May 2022, then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of all e-sabong operations. He had initially been a supporter, but the disappearances and the social backlash changed his mind. By December 2022, the ban was made permanent through a PAGCOR resolution. Operators were told to shut down, and the government announced that e-sabong would not be revived under any guise.
The shutdown was abrupt. Thousands of workers lost their jobs, and the government lost a significant source of revenue. But for many lawmakers and church leaders, it was a necessary move to protect Filipino families.
What Happened After the Ban? The Underground Scene
When the official e-sabong platforms went dark, the demand didn't disappear. It simply went underground. Illegal operators wasted no time filling the void. They set up offshore servers, used cryptocurrency and e-wallets, and communicated through encrypted messaging apps. These clandestine operations were harder to track and even harder to regulate.
Law enforcement agencies have conducted raids and arrested individuals running illegal e-sabong operations. In 2023 and 2024, the PNP and the Anti-Cybercrime Group reported multiple busts, but the scale of the underground industry remains largely unknown. What's clear is that the ban did not eliminate e-sabong; it just pushed it deeper into the shadows.
Some former operators tried to pivot to other forms of online gambling, like online casinos and sports betting, which remain legal and regulated by PAGCOR. But e-sabong had a unique appeal—fast action, local flavor, and a low barrier to entry. That combination kept the demand alive, even if the legal supply was cut off.
“The ban was a strong statement, but it didn't solve the root problem: people want to bet, and they will find a way,” a former industry insider told local media in 2024.
The Legal Landscape in 2026: Is E-sabong Still Banned?
As of 2026, e-sabong remains illegal in the Philippines. The PAGCOR resolution banning it is still in effect, and no new licenses have been issued for online cockfighting. The government has not shown any signs of reversing the policy. In fact, current PAGCOR chairperson Alejandro Tengco has repeatedly stated that e-sabong is not a priority and that the agency is focused on regulating other forms of gaming.
However, the conversation hasn't disappeared entirely. Some lawmakers and industry groups have argued that a regulated e-sabong industry could generate much-needed revenue for the government, especially in the post-pandemic era. They point to the success of other jurisdictions that have legalized and taxed online cockfighting, such as Cambodia and parts of Latin America. But these arguments have not gained enough traction to overturn the ban.
One thing is certain: the legal status of e-sabong is not a simple black-and-white issue. The ban is national, but local government units (LGUs) have their own ordinances on traditional sabong. While physical cockfighting remains allowed in many areas (with permits), the online version is off-limits. This distinction has created confusion and loopholes that illegal operators exploit.
The Social and Economic Impact: Winners and Losers
E-sabong's rise and fall left a complex legacy. On the economic side, the industry was a major employer. At its peak, it directly employed tens of thousands of people—streamers, camera operators, bet takers, IT staff, and customer service agents. When the ban hit, many of these workers were left jobless. Some found new roles in the booming online casino sector, but others struggled to recover.
The government also felt the pinch. In 2021 alone, e-sabong contributed billions of pesos in taxes and fees. That revenue stream dried up overnight. While the government has since increased collections from other gaming sectors, the loss of e-sabong money was significant.
On the social side, the ban was welcomed by families and community leaders who had seen firsthand the damage caused by gambling addiction. Stories of people losing their savings, borrowing money from loan sharks, and neglecting their families became common. The disappearance cases added a layer of fear and trauma that still lingers.
- Winners: Illegal operators who now operate tax-free, and other legal gambling sectors that absorbed some former e-sabong bettors.
- Losers: Former workers, government revenue, and bettors who preferred the unique thrill of e-sabong.
Could E-sabong Make a Comeback? The Arguments For and Against
The question on many people's minds is whether e-sabong could ever return legally. Proponents argue that a well-regulated industry could address the social ills that led to the ban. They propose strict age verification, betting limits, self-exclusion programs, and mandatory counseling for problem gamblers. They also point out that the government is missing out on billions in potential revenue while illegal operators thrive.
Opponents counter that e-sabong is inherently risky because it's so accessible. Unlike physical cockfighting, which requires leaving home and interacting with others, online betting can be done in secret, at any hour, with just a few taps. The addiction potential is much higher. They also cite the unresolved disappearances and the fact that the industry attracted criminal elements.
In 2025, a Senate bill proposing to study the possible revival of e-sabong was filed, but it has not moved past committee. Political will remains weak, and public opinion is still largely against it. For now, the ban holds.
That said, the Philippine gambling landscape is always shifting. The rise of online casinos and sports betting has shown that Filipinos are eager for digital gambling options. If the government can find a way to regulate e-sabong safely—and if the public can be convinced—a comeback isn't entirely impossible. But it would take a major shift in policy and perception.
What This Means for Filipino Bettors Today
If you're a Filipino bettor in 2026, e-sabong is not a legal option. The platforms that once streamed fights and accepted bets are gone. What remains are illegal operators that offer no consumer protection, no guarantees, and a high risk of scams. We strongly advise against using them.
Instead, focus on licensed and regulated gambling options. PAGCOR-licensed online casinos and sportsbooks offer a safer environment. They have clear rules, secure payment methods, and mechanisms for dispute resolution. They also contribute to government revenue and support responsible gambling programs.
If you're interested in cockfighting specifically, you can still attend physical sabong events at licensed cockpits. But remember that even traditional sabong has its risks. Bet only what you can afford to lose, and never chase losses.
For the latest updates on Philippine gambling laws and industry news, keep checking PinoySpinCheck. We'll continue to monitor any developments regarding e-sabong and other betting topics.