A recent analysis by Filipino sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall reveals that despite the nationwide ban on online cockfighting, or “e‑sabong,” operators are continuing to recruit participants via Facebook.
The study found that several platforms remain active and openly advertise e‑sabong events. Access is often gated through account registration, but these promotions persist, underscoring a sustained underground demand.
In many cases, agents are leveraging Facebook groups and even direct private messages to lure in players. This covert recruitment method effectively circumvents official enforcement mechanisms, ensuring a steady stream of participants despite the prohibition.
The Fourth Wall’s report also highlights stark differences between regulated and unregulated platforms. Regulated operators, overseen by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), offer a more limited selection of games that undergo fairness audits and licensing approval. In contrast, unregulated platforms feature broader, often unverified game offerings that may be manipulated or fake.
Promotional tactics further diverge. Unregulated sites frequently flaunt aggressive bonuses—sometimes as high as 108 percent—along with lucrative cashback and rebate schemes. These offers far exceed the more modest 10 to 40 percent incentives typically offered by licensed providers, which are designed to encourage responsible play.
Affiliate programs also differ in transparency and generosity. Operators on unregulated platforms reportedly pay out as much as 45 to 65 percent of their gross gaming revenue to affiliates, terms that appear less regulated and less clear. Licensed platforms, on the other hand, follow defined affiliate structures, such as those clearly outlined by PAGCOR‑approved entities.
One critical distinction lies in Know‑Your‑Customer (KYC) enforcement. Regulated platforms require identity verification—such as government IDs and age checks—before allowing play. Unregulated sites, by contrast, require little more than an email or phone number, with no verification process, allowing underage and previously banned players unrestricted access.
Payment systems also vary significantly. Unregulated platforms offer frictionless options such as GCash, Maya, QRPH, cryptocurrencies, and bank transfers without transaction limits—raising red flags around potential money laundering and uncontrolled spending. Licensed operators, in compliance with anti‑money laundering and responsible gaming policies, enforce transaction limits and rely on stricter e‑wallet and banking protocols.
What This Means
Despite a formal ban, e-sabong continues to thrive through unregulated digital channels. Platforms exploit Facebook as a recruitment tool, while offering high-risk incentives and lax oversight to lure users. In contrast, regulated venues offer more safeguards but struggle to compete with the allure of aggressive unregulated marketing.
This growing divide calls for stronger enforcement and digital monitoring to curb the proliferation of online cockfighting. As the study outlines, tighter controls and transparency in online gaming are essential for protecting consumers and maintaining integrity in the digital gambling space.
