E-sabong or online cockfighting, involves live cockfights which are streamed online and people can bet on the outcome remotely.
A lawmaker said the approval of a proposal in Congress to ban and penalize online cockfighting is a welcome development.
Representative Eddie Villanueva of CIBAC party-list, recently lauded the House Committee on Games and Amusements for approving the said bill aimed to curb online cockfighting, or more popularly known as “e-sabong.”
The approved unnumbered substitute bill, combining House Bills 9996 and 10307, prohibits all forms of remote or off-site betting on live cockfights streamed or broadcast from cockpit arenas. It mandates the revocation of existing e-sabong permits issued by PAGCOR and the blocking of emerging platforms.
Villanueva, the principal author of HB 10307, emphasized the urgent need to protect Filipinos from the devastating consequences of online gambling, including financial ruin, family breakdown, and increased crime.
In a report, he stressed that e-sabong’s addictive nature contradicts God’s plan for a righteous life.
“This legislation is a moral imperative,” Villanueva, who is also a religious leader, said. “We must eliminate activities that harm the moral fabric of our nation. Gambling, especially online, promotes a culture of addiction, debt, and crime, undermining the values of hard work and perseverance.”
What is e-sabong?
E-sabong is a term used to describe online cockfighting, where live cockfights are streamed online and people can bet on the outcome remotely.
It involves the live streaming of cockfights from arenas, allowing individuals to place bets on the fights through online platforms.
E-sabong gained significant popularity in the Philippines in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While the exact start date is difficult to pinpoint, it’s believed to have emerged around 2020. The rise of e-sabong was fueled by the increasing accessibility of internet and mobile technology, as well as the suspension of traditional cockfighting activities due to pandemic restrictions.
Observers say e-sabong also contributed to the rise of online gambling in the Philippines due to the following reasons:
Accessibility: E-sabong platforms are easily accessible through smartphones and computers, making it convenient for individuals to participate in gambling activities from anywhere, at any time.
Anonymity: Online gambling platforms often provide a degree of anonymity, allowing individuals to engage in gambling without social stigma or fear of judgment.
Thrill and excitement: The fast-paced nature of e-sabong, coupled with the potential for significant winnings, creates a thrilling and addictive experience that draws in many people.
Marketing and promotions: Aggressive marketing campaigns, including television commercials and social media promotions, have further popularized e-sabong and other online gambling activities.
Financial incentives: Online gambling platforms often offer various incentives, such as bonuses, free bets, and loyalty programs, to attract and retain users.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233204
