Philippine Embassy Warns Nationals in France Over Illegal Cockfighting Penalties
The Philippine embassy in France warned citizens that cockfighting carries fines up to €45,000 (US$51,550) after French alerts on illegal activities causing disturbances. Sabong is legal in the Philippines but e-sabong was suspended in 2022 after generating US$80.9 million under PAGCOR. France permits licensed sports betting yet bans online casinos.
SCCG Take — Differing national rules on traditional gaming create compliance exposure for participants abroad. Regulators must weigh enforcement against cultural practices without assuming uniform standards.
The Philippine embassy in France has warned its nationals that cockfighting is illegal in the country. The activity carries fines of up to €45,000 (US$51,550). French authorities alerted the embassy to illegal gambling and cockfighting by Filipinos that triggered complaints over disturbances of the peace and littering.
The embassy linked the penalties to France’s animal cruelty laws. It reminded citizens to observe French laws while living in the country.
Contrasting Rules on Cockfighting and Betting
Cockfighting, known locally as sabong, is not outlawed in the Philippines. Online betting on the activity, termed e-sabong, was suspended by executive order in 2022. Licensed bouts continue under strict rules, yet online betting on matches remains forbidden.
The practice faced heavy criticism after the disappearance of at least 34 people tied to e-sabong in the Philippines in 2022. Multiple bodies were found in a lake in connection with alleged match rigging following years of investigations.
Sports betting operates legally in France for football, tennis, rugby, motorsport, boxing, horse racing, NFL events and more. All such activity falls under licenses from the National Gaming Authority (Autorité Nationale des Jeux). Online casino games stay illegal outside licensed physical casinos.
PAGCOR Efforts to Curb Unregulated E-Sabong
The Philippines has moved in recent years to stamp out e-sabong. Gaming regulator PAGCOR has called repeatedly for shutdowns of unregulated gaming activity, whether online or offline. PAGCOR formally regulated e-sabong from early 2021 until the 2022 suspension. The activity produced Php5.06 billion (US$80.9 million) in income during its regulated period.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, the embassy warning underscores enforcement of local rules against overseas participants.
Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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