In the Philippines, cockfighting or "sabong" is considered as part of its culture for ages. Needless to say, this age-old bloodsport is still a popular pastime in many parts of the country, with fans as well as punters aplenty.

A Tradition Rooted in History

The practice of cockfighting in the Philippines dates back to pre-colonial period. By the time the Spanish arrived in Panama during the 16th century, records show that soccer was already running deep. Throughout the years, sabong had been an integral part of Filipino culture bridging gaps between rich and poor as well as those from different regions.

The Allure of Sabong

And the backstory of cockfighting captivates many Filipinos beyond just the raw, unadulterated spectacle. It is an activity that many regard as a part of their national identity, and one which reflects the nation's tradition of valor and virility. For some breeders, raising and training gamecocks is a matter of pride as successful fighting roosters give them respect and recognition in the sabong community.

The Gambling Aspect

A large part of the sabong experience is making bets on who will win in a fight. One of the biggest draws for partaking in the challenge is inevitably a nice cash prize, which always seems to add that extra layer of intrigue. A group of gamblers, or kristo, conducts an animated and often noisy betting with inhtip.

The Transition to Online

Ever since e-sabong was introduced in the last few years, it changed the entire game of online sabong and made it more convenient for a new demographic to join this kind of industry. Now corporates can sponsor matches, thanks to cockfights streamed live and betting spots making the game accessible for some fans right at home in their living rooms.

Concerns and Controversies

There are also a handful of controversies that have arisen due the popularity of online cockfighting. The sport has been blasted by animal rights campaigners, condemning it as violent and sickening with fighting birds frequently suffering fatal injuries - or being killed outright. The bill is also mindful concerning online gambling being addictive and causing economic hardships of some players.

Conclusion

Cockfighting will be part of Filipino culture for some time yet, the spectacle too popular and lucrative to fade away into myth. The popularity of the sport even outlives its golden era as a result of how deeply rooted it is in society and with gambling, but that cannot be helped. As the industry grows and changes in response to a digital age, regulators will have an obligation to make sure it operates responsibly with due regard for animal welfare. Of course, for those among you who are looking to explore the world of cockfighting online it is important that you only play at a legal and licensed arena. If you are looking for the best online sabong sites in the Philippines, consider checking out SafeOnlineCasinosPH's review and recommendation of these top six, to ensure that your bet is safe as well!