Online Sabong Crisis: A Growing National Tragedy
In recent years, the surge of online sabong debt has devastated countless Filipino families. A heartbreaking case surfaced in 2022 when a young mother sold her eight-month-old baby to settle her mounting e-sabong debts. This grim episode highlights the dangerous grip the online sabong crisis has on communities, turning what was once a pastime into a destructive force.
The rise of online sabong debt is now a common story across the Philippines. Since the pandemic propelled e-sabong into the digital spotlight, addiction and financial ruin have followed in its wake. What started for many as a way to pass time during lockdowns quickly morphed into a relentless cycle of loss, despair, and broken relationships.
The Toll of Online Sabong Debt on Lives
Many players share similar tales of deepening debt and emotional strain. One anonymous bettor revealed losing four months’ salary in mere weeks, tapping into emergency funds and chasing losses with a dangerous hope. “It’s addicting—when you lose, you always think about making it back,” he admitted. “In the end, you only have yourself to blame.”
Others have fallen even deeper. Another confessed, “I think I’ve lost half a million pesos to e-sabong. I make over ₱60,000 a month, but it feels like I have nothing left after paying my debts. I know I’m addicted, but I can’t stop. I don’t know who to talk to anymore.” The emotional weight of this addiction often leads to sleepless nights, depression, and desperation.
Understanding Online Sabong: The Digital Cockfighting Phenomenon
E-sabong, or electronic sabong, is the online version of the traditional Filipino cockfighting game. Instead of attending physical arenas, bettors log into websites or apps to wager on live-streamed matches from licensed cockpit arenas nationwide. This convenience allows players to bet anytime, anywhere—even on their phones while commuting.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates e-sabong, requiring players to be at least 21 years old, submit IDs, and verify their identities. Despite these measures, the accessibility and speed of betting—often with multiple matches streamed daily—make it easy to fall into harmful patterns.
Why Did Online Sabong Boom During the Pandemic?
The pandemic lockdowns shuttered traditional sabong arenas, pushing enthusiasts online. With limited entertainment options and rising unemployment, many turned to e-sabong for excitement and the hope of quick cash. For some, it even became a way to bond with family members, as one player shared, “It wasn’t just about the money—it was something to do together. Sometimes, it was bonding time for me and my dad or brother.”
Yet, as online sabong debt grew, so did stories of addiction and loss. By early 2022, thousands of Filipinos were betting daily, with hundreds of live matches streamed through licensed platforms. The allure of easy money masked the harsh reality of financial ruin and broken homes.
Disappearance Cases Linked to Online Sabong Debt
Between April 2021 and January 2022, at least 34 e-sabong players vanished in Luzon, sparking national alarm. Witnesses and whistleblowers have alleged grim fates for many missing sabungeros, claiming they were victims of violent, profit-driven crimes tied to the online sabong scene.
One whistleblower detailed chilling accounts of victims being tied to sandbags and disposed of in Taal Lake, intensifying calls from grieving families for thorough investigations. Authorities continue to search the lake and consult experts to uncover the truth, though no concrete evidence has surfaced yet.
Justice officials suggest these disappearances may be part of a coordinated, profit-motivated scheme involving hired groups. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has demanded swift, comprehensive probes, while the Department of Justice prepares charges against suspects based on ongoing inquiries.
Public Figures and the Online Sabong Controversy
The scandal has also drawn attention to prominent industry figures. Businessman Atong Ang has denied involvement in the disappearances, while actress Gretchen Barretto, linked through association, has publicly stated she has no connection to the missing sabungeros or e-sabong operations.
For families still searching for answers, the pain remains raw. They continue to urge authorities for transparency and justice, hoping to finally uncover the fate of their loved ones, “kahit buto na lang (even if just the bones).”
From Regulation to Ban: Government’s Response to Online Sabong Debt
Initially, the government allowed e-sabong to operate under PAGCOR’s watch, seeing it as a source of revenue during economic hardship. However, rising reports of addiction, disappearances, and corruption forced a reexamination.
By early 2022, investigations were underway, and the Senate moved to suspend e-sabong operations. Then-President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a full shutdown in May 2022, citing the industry’s social costs and the tragic disappearances linked to it.
In June 2025, the House of Representatives approved legislation banning e-sabong nationwide, while setting clearer rules for traditional cockfighting. Despite these measures, the legacy of online sabong debt and its human cost continues to challenge communities and authorities alike.
Ongoing Struggles and Unanswered Questions
The online sabong crisis remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked digital gambling. Beyond financial losses, it exposes a tangled network of crime, addiction, and grief. Investigations proceed, but the full truth behind the missing sabungeros and those responsible is still unfolding.
For more news and updates on online sabong debt, visit Filipinokami.com.
