Is online sabong (e-sabong) legal in the Philippines? Warning and facts (2026)

We do not list, link or promote e-sabong. This page exists so that people searching for it get facts and a warning. You must be 21+ to gamble, and government workers may not gamble at all (CSC).

What the ban is

• Executive Order 9, signed in December 2022, mandated a nationwide suspension of e-sabong, including remote betting and livestreaming of cockfights outside licensed physical venues (SunStar).
• Legal commentary we saw says traditional cockfights in licensed venues on authorised days are not covered by the order; we did not read the order text, so check the Official Gazette for exact wording.

What police say in 2026

On 12 February 2026 PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said commanders were ordered to help the Anti-Cybercrime Group monitor illegal online cockfighting and livestream sources. SunStar reports that the PNP is tracing operators who use VPNs and offshore hosting, and that it is targeting financiers and operators, not only websites (SunStar). The article describes e-sabong as already banned, with continuing "guerrilla operations" online.

Why this matters to you

• A site or Facebook livestream offering e-sabong cannot be confirmed as authorised; PAGCOR warned in July 2025 that gambling livestreamed on social media is likely illegal (AGBrief; scam signs).
• Agents asking for deposits to personal e-wallets, or a "fee" to withdraw, are scam signs.
• "Pula Puti" and "sabong" APKs are common malware and phishing bait (APK warning).
• You can report scams to Hotline 1326, the national anti-scam hotline launched by the PCO and CICC in March 2025 (Philstar).

If you want to see which sites are authorised at all, use PAGCOR Guarantee and our checker, and if gambling is hurting you, see help.