Philippines: Report finds illegal e-sabong operating online
Study highlights ongoing activity on unregulated platforms despite nationwide ban.
Key points:
– Unregulated online cockfighting platforms continue to operate despite a national ban, raising concerns about player protection
– The report highlights operational differences between regulated and unregulated gambling platforms and associated risks
A study by sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall has found that online cockfighting, or e-sabong, continues to be offered on unregulated gambling platforms despite a nationwide suspension of operations.
The research examined both regulated and unregulated online gaming platforms, focusing on areas including game offerings, promotions, affiliate structures, payment channels, Know Your Customer procedures, trust and safety and customer service.
Unregulated sites were found to promote e-sabong through social media groups and private messaging. The study compared regulated platforms, including BingoPlus, PlayTime and 747 Live, with unregulated platforms such as PHDream, PHFun and Betso88.
Regulated platforms operate under the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) protocols, including player verification and game auditing. Unregulated platforms often have minimal verification and no formal auditing, increasing the risk of fraud and underage participation.
Good to know: Unregulated platforms offer an average of around 5,000 games, compared with about 2,900 on regulated platforms
Payment systems, promotions and affiliate programs also differed. Unregulated platforms allowed unrestricted transactions, higher-value bonuses and more extensive affiliate commissions.
Regulated operators implemented capped transactions, lower-value promotions and structured affiliate programs.
The report emphasises the need for enforcement and public awareness to mitigate risks associated with unregulated platforms.
John Brylle L. Bae, The Fourth Wall Research Director, stated: “Our latest report demonstrates how prohibited games like e-sabong remain easily accessible on unregulated platforms even to high-profile figures, underscoring persistent enforcement challenges.”
This coincides with the Philippines’ Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently banning its officials and employees from participating in online gambling, a policy covering multiple agencies under its supervision.
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