Sabong sabong is a local term in the Philippines for cockfighting. It is a famous cock derby usually held in a cockpit. You can also find cockfighting along the street sides in the provinces, but with smaller bets compared to the ones held in the cockfighting arena. The country has more than 2,500 cockpits spread across towns, cities, and provinces. This only shows its popularity, with several events held every week. There is usually a major sabong event held in cockpits with very lucrative prizes at stake during city and town festivals.
Sabong is a bloody sport where two high breed fighting cocks brawl each other to death. During each fight, wagers are accepted by a Kristo, or a bet taker. Wagers can range from small bets for preliminary rounds up to high stakes for championship fights.
With the introduction of online casinos where players can now wager online, many offshore gaming operators are adding sabong to their betting sportsbooks due to its rising popularity. Some trusted brands are now offering sabong live and championship events where players can place their bets on their favored fighting cock.
Mechanics of Major Sabong Events
Major cock derbies take place on different levels. While regular single fights have a simple rule, which is the last bird standing, cockpit events have more complex mechanics of the game. There are also varying betting rules, depending on the event organizer.
The First Level is Called Ulatan
During the first stage of the event, fighting cocks are matched according to their physical attributes such as weight, breed, height, and wingspan. This is a critical stage that significantly influences your betting decisions. During this level, the participating fighting cocks will be fitted with razor-sharp blades for the fight.
The Second Level is Called Ruweda
The next phase is the preliminary to the fight where breeders or owners are presented to the crowd holding their respective fighting cocks. The referee will also provide a brief walkthrough of the mechanics and important reminders of the rules of the game. After the short briefing from the referee, the breeder will start pecking their gamecocks, showing the aggressive potentials of each fighter. Thus, it is best to place bets only after the pecking for a better prospective of the outcome based on their initial aggression.
The above mechanics apply to many actual cockfighting events in the Philippines. Other countries have their own unique mechanics. But the core game is simple. It’s a fight between two roosters, and it is normally a fight until one is dead. The last bird standing is the winner. The mechanics for online cockfighting may have some modifications but the core principle is the same. What matters a lot are the betting mechanics. Therefore, read the wagering rules first before placing a bet.
Weapon Greatly Matters During the Fight
Fighting cocks are armed by the owners with a sole weapon that can make or break the game. The weapon is a slasher knife, also called as tari in the local Philippine term. It is a 3-inch long razor-sharp blade being attached to the rooster’s feet.
Breeders train their fighting birds to use the weapon during the fight. It plays a critical role in winning. In fact, some breeders are enjoying the luxury of winning due to their weapon advantage. A high breed rooster with excellent fighting skills fitted with a low-quality slasher knife already losses about one-third of its chances of winning against a regular fighting cock with a high-grade weapon.
Therefore, weapons do matter a lot in cockfighting. There are two types of slasher knives, or tari, used by the breeders for the cockfight. The common type is the single-edged blade, which is usually the weapon of choice during regular major events. The second one is the double-edged blade, which is used only upon agreement between the two parties.
Where to Play Sabong Online
Cockfighting is a famous game, not just in the Philippines, but also in other countries. Due to its rising popularity, more offshore operators are now adding the game to their online casino offers. For players in the Philippines, they can now enjoy their favorite sabong online thru one of the top casino operators listed as follows:
- 1xBet: Another excellent destination for online sabong is 1XBet, which offers live streaming major cockfighting events. 1XBet has a trusted payment system with quick withdrawal processing. A welcome bonus up ₱5,400 awaits those who open an account. Wagering requirements apply for the bonus portion of the bankroll.
- BitStarz: If you want to play online cockfighting, then BitStarz should be on your list. It has one of the best welcome packages around that comes with 20 free spins. But the good part is the welcome bonus where you can get as much as a whopping $500 match up. You also have the option to avail the 5BTC instead, if you prefer to wager using cryptocurrencies.
- 22Bet: Opening an account with 22Bet entitles you to a hundred percent welcome match up bonus up to Php18,000. So, if your initial deposit is ₱18,000, you will get another ₱18,000 for a total of ₱ 36,000 in your bankroll. However, the bonus portion is subject to some wagering requirements, and playable only on specific games. Unfortunately, online sabong is not part of the games where you can place a bet using the bonus money. But you can still wager using the regular fund coming from your initial deposit.
- Bet365: Bet 365 is another excellent place that accepts Filipino players to their casino online portal. You will surely be delighted by their 100% match bonus up to a hundred dollars on your initial first deposit. The brand has been around since 2001 and has accumulated several awards over the years. It has a massive list of different sports games in its sportsbook. Bet365 is a great casino destination that you should check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sabong?
Sabong is the local Philippine term for cockfighting, where two opposing birds fight until one of them is down. Sometimes the brawl can turn bloody until death, and the standing rooster wins. While sabong is considered as a sports game, it is played more for wagering purposes.
How to play sabong?
There are two ways to play sabong. You can play as a spectator. All you have to do is watch the fight between the two roosters. You may also opt to place a bet on either of the two fighting birds. Another way is to play sabong as a breeder where you raise your own rooster for the cockpit. You can pick the fight that you would like your pet to join. You can also choose the opponent. Apparently, you will place your bet on your own fighting bird. In some games, if your gamecock wins and the losing opponent is still alive, you will have the option to take home the losing bird. Alternatively, you can play the game online. However, online sabong ph games are for wagering, and you cannot actually watch the fight. You will only get the results if you win or lose.
How to register sabong online?
There are offshore gaming operators that accept players from the Philippines to their online casino platform. Just open an account with the brand of your choice and verify your account via email. Once you are registered, you can browse thru the games and look for sabong derby under sports. Other brands have a sportsbook where you can find sabong or cockfighting in their games list.
How to bet on sabong?
Before the fight, the breeders will start pecking their birds as a preliminary teaser for the bout. You will also have the time to place your bet on either of the two fighting cocks. During the fight, one of the birds will eventually be down, and the standing fighting rooster wins. Hence, those who placed a bet on the winning bird also wins the wager.
How to win in sabong?
There are several factors that affect the outcome of the fight. Research is the key if you want to win in sabong. First, you need to know the specific fighting cock that you will be placing your bets on. Another is age. According to statistics, aged birds wins 7 out of 10 fights against younger ones with little experience. Also, check the type of slasher knife that is attached to the rooster. A weapon of high quality can sometimes snatch a win from a high-breed bird with massive experience in cockfighting.
Where to bet on sabong?
To place a bet on sabong, you have to go to the cockpit or the arena where the live cockfighting takes place. You can place your bet when the fight is about the start. Sometimes, bets are still accepted while the fight is ongoing. Alternatively, you can go online and look for online casino operators offering sabong or cockfighting in their portals. You can register for an account and start betting.