PAGCOR could legalise online cockfighting

Andrea Domingo has said the regulator may establish a mechanism for streaming sabong events in authorised arenas. 

Philippines.- Andrea Domingo, head of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (PAGCOR) has revealed that the regulator may issue regulations to licence e-sabong – cockfights streamed online. 

The move to legalise the streaming of the popular game would serve the purpose of avoiding physical gatherings while also increasing government income from gaming taxes.  

Domingo said: “PAGCOR can issue the proper regulations in order to license and legitimize operations of local online sabong.

“In this way, bettors will be protected and regulated, legitimate and licensed local online sabong operations will be identified and will be allowed to operate, and the Government will be able to collect proper fees and taxes. 

“Further, licensed local online sabong operators will only be allowed to livestream cockfights from cockpit arenas duly licensed by the local government units and with the necessary permits.”

The streaming of cockfights is currently banned and people have been warned that participating in events could harm efforts to reduce Covid-19 cases.  

The government, however, is looking to increase its tax income from gaming to provide funds for pandemic relief efforts. 

This week two electronic games licence holders have been told to expect new rules and procedures from PAGCOR in the near future, which would indicate the possibility of a new regulations for online gaming.