A new report from sociocultural research firm The Fourth Wall has revealed that online cockfighting, or e-sabong, remains active on unregulated gambling sites despite a nationwide suspension.
The study assessed both regulated and unregulated gaming platforms, analysing game portfolios, promotions, affiliate models, payment systems, KYC measures, trust and safety protocols, and customer support.
Unregulated Sites Push E-Sabong via Social Media
Investigators found unregulated operators promoting e-sabong through social media groups and private messaging. The research compared licensed platforms such as BingoPlus, PlayTime, and 747 Live with unregulated sites like PHDream, PHFun, and Betso88.
Key Differences in Operations
Licensed operators follow PAGCOR’s protocols for player verification and game auditing. In contrast, unregulated sites often skip thorough checks and lack auditing, creating higher risks of fraud and underage access.
- Unregulated platforms offered an average of 5,000 games, compared to 2,900 on regulated platforms.
- They also allowed unlimited transactions, larger bonuses, and higher affiliate commissions, while licensed sites applied caps, modest promotions, and structured affiliate programs.
Call for Stronger Enforcement
The Fourth Wall’s Research Director, John Brylle L. Bae, warned that prohibited games remain easily accessible, even to high-profile individuals—highlighting ongoing enforcement challenges.
This comes as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) enforces a ban on online gambling for its officials and employees, extending to all agencies under its jurisdiction.
