Step 1: How E-Sabong Became a Pandemic Hit (2020–2021)
When COVID-19 lockdowns shut down cockfighting arenas in 2020, operators quickly pivoted online. E-sabong—live-streamed sabong with real-time betting—filled the void. Filipinos stuck at home could watch fights from licensed pits and wager via apps or FB Live streams. The timing was perfect: cashless transactions were rising, and smartphone penetration was deep even outside Metro Manila.
By early 2021, e-sabong was a billion-peso industry. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) had issued licenses to several operators, including Lucky 8 Star Quest, Belvedere Vista, and Visayas Cockers Club. Revenues surged, and the government saw a new tax stream. For bettors, it was convenient—no need to travel to a cockpit, and odds updated in seconds. But the rapid growth also brought concerns: unregulated offshore sites, underage betting, and the social costs of 24/7 gambling.
For a while, it seemed e-sabong would become a permanent fixture. Then the disappearances started.
Step 2: The Disappearances That Triggered the Ban (2022)
In 2021 and early 2022, news broke that at least 34 sabong enthusiasts had gone missing, with suspicions pointing to kidnapping and even murder linked to e-sabong debts and rivalries. The public outcry was swift. Senator Manny Pacquiao led heated hearings, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) testified that some missing persons were last seen at e-sabong operations. The issue became a political lightning rod.
On May 3, 2022, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the suspension of all e-sabong operations. He cited the social ills and the inability of regulators to curb them. PAGCOR complied, and by May 5, licensed operators had shut down their betting platforms. The ban was initially a suspension, but it effectively killed the industry. Operators tried to challenge it in court, but the government stood firm.
By the end of 2022, e-sabong was officially illegal nationwide. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) revoked all e-sabong licenses, and law enforcement began cracking down on underground operations. The once-booming sector went dark.
Step 3: The Legal Status Today (2026)
As of 2026, e-sabong remains banned in the Philippines. There is no new law legalizing it, and PAGCOR has not issued any new e-sabong licenses. The ban is enforced by the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), who regularly raid illegal online cockfighting hubs. In 2025, authorities busted several operations in Cavite and Cebu, underscoring that the prohibition is still active.
However, the landscape is not static. Some lawmakers have filed bills to regulate rather than prohibit e-sabong, arguing that a legal framework would generate revenue and protect consumers. But these proposals have not gained enough traction. The Catholic Church and anti-gambling groups remain strong opponents, and the memories of the 2022 scandal are still fresh.
Meanwhile, traditional cockfighting (sabong) is still allowed in licensed cockpit arenas, subject to local government rules. But the online component—the very thing that made e-sabong accessible—is illegal. Bettors who engage with offshore e-sabong sites risk not only legal penalties but also scams and unregulated payouts.
So if you see an ad for an e-sabong site in 2026, treat it with extreme caution. It’s almost certainly operating outside the law.
Step 4: What This Means for Filipino Bettors in 2026
The ban doesn’t mean you can’t bet on other things. PAGCOR-licensed online casinos and sportsbooks operate legally, offering slots, live dealer games, and sports betting. These platforms are regulated, which means they have to follow responsible gaming rules and payout standards. But they cannot offer e-sabong.
If you’re looking for cockfighting action, you can still visit physical cockpits in areas where local ordinances allow. But even there, betting is typically limited to on-site transactions, not online. Some operators have tried to simulate sabong with virtual games, but these are not the same and may not be legal if they mimic e-sabong.
For bettors who enjoyed the convenience of e-sabong, the shift has been jarring. Many have migrated to online casino games or sports betting. Others have turned to illegal offshore sites, which is risky. The government’s message is clear: if you gamble online, stick to PAGCOR-licensed operators.
Looking ahead, the debate over e-sabong may resurface. If revenues from other gambling sectors decline, lawmakers might reconsider regulation. But for now, the ban holds, and enforcement continues.