Gambling addiction is a big problem nowadays. Many people are tempted to join online Sabong cockfighting sites in order to win thousands of dollars in cash. But many of them are not aware of the dangers of gambling addiction. And even if they do know the dangers of online Sabong, they are not safe from its consequences. A recent case involves a Filipino overseas worker who was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for selling the properties and businesses of his victim.
Gambling addiction caused by e-Sabong
The Philippines has long been a hotbed of Go Perya Sabong and related activities, but a recent pandemic has drawn attention to the need for better regulation. The Philippines recently regulated cock fight betting and introduced online wagering. It hopes to bolster the country’s finances by cracking down on illegal gambling. However, reports of e-sabong addiction were quickly spread online, resulting in a heightened risk for gambling addiction.
Unfortunately, online gambling is often hard to detect. Individuals may not even realize that they have a problem until they start spending more money than they earn. Friends and family may be unaware of what their loved one is doing on their phone. Therefore, those affected should consider seeking counseling. In addiction counseling, problem gamblers learn how to cope with their triggers, which can include financial problems or boredom. Ultimately, this can be beneficial as a preventative measure.
Problem gambling causes a range of negative effects on an individual’s emotional and physical health. The problem gambling behavior can interfere with the person’s financial situation, relationships, and work. In extreme cases, it can even lead to attempts at suicide. It is important to get the correct treatment for gambling addiction to avoid any long-term damage. There are various treatments available for gambling addiction, including cognitive behavioural therapy and medication.
Illegality of e-Sabong in the Philippines
After the ban order issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, e-Sabong websites have mushroomed all over the Internet. According to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), at least 10 of these websites remain active, despite the efforts of the national police and their international counterparts to shut down these websites. A special report from Brigadier General Robert Rodriguez, head of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Anti-Cybercrime Group, stated that the group conducted a thorough investigation of these sites, and concluded that most of them are illegal.
The DILGS has already been engaged in e-sabong operations, and the recent major bust by the Philippine National Police shows the intensity of the battle against this illicit activity. According to the DILG, the social cost of e-sabong is too high. In a single year, 31 e-sabong enthusiasts were reported missing. And despite the growing number of cases, many of these e-sabong enthusiasts are still spicecinemas underage.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has referred the names of illegal e-Sabong websites to PAGCOR, the country’s gaming regulator and casino operator. They will examine the names and sites for accuracy and will pass them on to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and to Facebook. These sites have become a major source of revenue for the illegal online gambling industry. Therefore, the government should crack down on these illegal e-sabong sites.
