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The Rise of E-Sabong: From Traditional Cockpits to Smartphones
Before the ban, e-sabong was one of the fastest-growing gambling verticals in the Philippines. Operated by licensed firms like Lucky 8 Star Quest, Belvedere Vista, and Visayas Cockers Club, these online cockfighting streams attracted millions of viewers daily. Unlike traditional sabong held in physical arenas, e-sabong allowed bettors to wager on fights broadcast live from dedicated pits, often 24/7.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulated the activity, collecting billions in fees. At its peak in 2021, e-sabong contributed over PHP 4 billion in annual revenues, according to PAGCOR reports. For many Filipinos, especially those in provinces where land-based cockpits were scarce, e-sabong became a accessible form of entertainment and a potential income source.
But the industry's rapid growth also brought serious problems: addiction, underage betting, and a string of disappearances linked to cockfighting syndicates. These issues eventually caught the attention of then-President Rodrigo Duterte, who ordered the suspension of e-sabong operations in May 2022.
The 2022 Ban: What Exactly Happened?
On May 3, 2022, Duterte publicly announced the suspension of e-sabong, citing the need to address social ills and the unresolved disappearances of at least 34 sabungeros. PAGCOR swiftly enforced the order, and licensed operators were told to cease operations. By December 2022, the ban was made permanent through a law signed by Duterte's successor, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The law, Republic Act No. 11927, explicitly prohibits online cockfighting and imposes heavy penalties on violators. It also tasked PAGCOR with ensuring that no e-sabong activities continue under any guise. The move was welcomed by anti-gambling advocates and church groups but devastated operators and employees who relied on the industry.
Interestingly, the ban did not affect traditional cockfighting, which remains legal and regulated in many localities. This distinction has led to confusion among bettors, with some assuming all sabong-related betting is illegal. In reality, physical cockpits still operate, albeit with strict health and safety protocols.
E-Sabong in 2026: Is It Really Gone?
Fast forward to 2026, and e-sabong is officially still banned. PAGCOR has consistently stated that no licenses will be issued for online cockfighting, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to crack down on illegal operations. However, underground e-sabong persists. Unlicensed sites, often hosted offshore, continue to accept bets from Filipino players, operating in a gray area that authorities struggle to police.
In late 2025, PAGCOR chairman Alejandro Tengco reiterated the agency's stance: “E-sabong remains prohibited. We will not hesitate to shut down any platform that violates the law.” Despite this, reports of clandestine operations in remote areas and online forums suggest that the industry has not completely vanished—it has simply gone underground.
For bettors, the risks are higher than ever. Illegal e-sabong sites lack consumer protections, and players have no legal recourse if they are scammed. Moreover, participating in illegal gambling can result in fines or imprisonment. The Philippine National Police has conducted several raids in 2025, arresting operators and confiscating equipment.
So, is e-sabong dead? Not quite. It's dormant, waiting for a policy shift that may or may not come. Some lawmakers have argued for its revival, citing potential tax revenues, but the social costs remain a major hurdle. As of now, the ban holds firm.
What This Means for Filipino Bettors Today
If you're looking to bet on cockfighting online, you won't find any legal options in the Philippines. PAGCOR's regulated online casinos—like those featured on BetLoom—offer a wide range of games, but e-sabong is not among them. Instead, bettors can explore sports betting, live casino games, slots, and other legal alternatives.
For those who still crave the thrill of sabong, physical cockpits remain an option, though they operate under strict regulations. Online, the safest bet is to stick with PAGCOR-licensed platforms. These sites are audited for fairness and provide responsible gambling tools.
It's also worth noting that the e-sabong saga has shaped how Philippine regulators approach online gambling. The crackdown demonstrated that even lucrative industries can be shut down when public welfare is at stake. As the online casino market continues to grow in 2026, expect tighter scrutiny and more robust consumer protections.
Ultimately, the story of e-sabong is a cautionary tale about the fine line between innovation and exploitation. For now, the digital cockpits are silent—but whether they stay that way is anyone's guess.