Sabong is also known as cockfighting, and while many consider it cruelty to animals (chickens), it is a Filipino tradition that dates back more than 3,000 years. The sport is essentially putting two roosters on a pin and betting on which rooster will emerge victorious from the fight. While there is no real skill in Sabong betting, there is a reward for winning the bet.
Cockfighting is illegal in many parts of the world, but because it is considered a tradition, it is still allowed in the Philippines to this day. While the government has regulated the industry and optimised the way they make money from the tradition, illegal cockfighting is still rampant across the island. Illegal cockfighting occurs throughout the island, especially in rural areas.
An estimated 2,500 cockpits are spread across the 7,100 islands that make up the Philippines. This page is dedicated to Sabong betting and will discuss all aspects of the sport and how you can legally participate in the event.
Is Sabong Gaming Legal in the Philippines?
Yes, Sabong betting is legal and widespread in the Philippines. There are betting terminals and legal bookmakers in the cockpit where players can place bets. Sabong is known as a billion-dollar industry in the Philippines, and because it is so popular, bettors have multiple ways to bet on cockfights while in the Philippines. The most popular way to get legal bets is to go to the cockpit and place a bet with a licensed bookmaker.
Is it legal to bet on online cockfighting in the Philippines?
No, there are some online Sabong betting sites that operate locally, but the Philippines makes it clear that domestic online Sabong betting is illegal. Both Quezon City and Manila have cracked down on operators offering online betting on cockfights. Local government regulations specifically state that Sabong must be regulated and wagering can only be made within the jurisdiction where the cockfight is held.
Even if online gambling sites are licensed to operate, they must have explicit approval or franchise rights from the city council to operate legally, which neither city has mandated. With no formal online regulation, betting on illegally operated sites is high risk and players may fall victim to scams or their winnings may be forfeited. Legal Filipino friendly sportsbooks do not offer cockfight betting lines but accept bets on other fighting sports such as boxing, mixed martial arts (MMA) and more.