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Bacolod City has taken a firm stance to protect sabong players after reports surfaced that some cockpits were pressuring patrons to switch exclusively to machine-based betting. While digital terminals have grown in popularity, many local bettors felt that the shift was no longer optional. For a sport where tradition and human interaction define the betting experience, the City Council’s new decision aims to preserve the heart of sabong and ensure that every player retains the freedom to choose how they wager.
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The New Resolution: No More Forced Digital Betting
The newly approved policy directly addresses growing concerns within the sabong community. Some cockpits had reportedly reduced access to human bet-takers or quietly prioritized machine users, creating an environment where traditional kumarera betting appeared less welcome. Bettors claimed that they were being guided—or in some cases pressured—toward machine terminals even when they preferred placing sabong wagers the traditional way.
The City Council responded by emphasizing that technology must remain optional. Sabong patrons are entitled to choose between machine betting and traditional hand-signal betting, and operators may not influence, restrict, or manipulate that choice. The resolution restores balance by reaffirming that the betting method in sabong is a personal decision, not a mandate dictated by cockpit operators.
Protecting Players From Unequal Treatment
To prevent indirect coercion, the resolution also bans any discriminatory actions based on betting method. Operators are not allowed to adjust fees, gate access, seating priority, or service quality depending on whether a bettor uses machines or the kumarera system. The Council stressed that fair treatment is essential to maintaining integrity within sabong arenas, especially as more cockpits adopt digital tools.
This safeguard ensures that digital modernization does not become a backdoor mechanism for phasing out traditional sabong practices. Every bettor—new or experienced—must be able to participate without feeling marginalized.
Preserving Sabong Tradition and Cultural Identity
Sabong remains one of the Philippines’ most culturally rooted sporting traditions, and its betting culture is a key part of its identity. The kumarera system, where bets flow through human runners and hand signals, has shaped the rhythm and social dynamics of sabong for generations. Many players view it not only as a betting method but as a cultural language passed down through time.
The City Council emphasized that while machine betting offers convenience, it should complement sabong—not redefine it. Traditional mechanics must remain accessible, especially as mandated under the Cockfighting Law of 1974, which requires sabong operations to respect local customs and moral standards. The resolution aligns with this legal foundation by ensuring that technology enhances but never replaces the cultural core of sabong.
What Bettors and Operators Should Expect
For bettors, the ruling guarantees freedom and clarity. Whether someone prefers the speed of a machine terminal or the familiarity of human-run wagering, sabong will continue to offer both options without penalty. Players can now enter any Bacolod cockpit knowing their chosen betting style is protected.
For operators, the message is equally clear. While adopting technology is encouraged, it cannot be imposed. Machine betting can remain part of the modern sabong ecosystem, but not as the exclusive or dominant format. Operators must balance modernization with fairness and fidelity to sabong tradition.
Online Alternatives: Safe Choices for Digital Players
Although the resolution concerns physical sabong venues, many Filipino bettors also participate in online gaming. For those who prefer digital platforms, safety, licensing, and transparency matter just as much as freedom of choice. Selecting a secure and trustworthy platform ensures that players enjoy a smooth experience without risking their personal information or funds.
Looking for a Trusted Online Platform? Try NUSTABET
If you enjoy online gaming alongside traditional sabong, NUSTABET is one of the most reliable licensed platforms among Filipino players. It offers slots, live casino games, fishing titles, and sports betting with strong security features and fast withdrawal options.
