She disclosed that since e-sabong began operational in May this year, PAGCOR’s income from cockfight betting already amounted to P3 billion to P3.5 billion. “We’re able to generate about P350 million to P400 million a month [from e-sabong],” the PAGCOR chief said.

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s E-Sabong regulatory function is undertaken primarily by the E-Sabong Licensing Department (ESLD). This includes the development of the regulatory framework, processing of applications, issuance of licenses to conduct E-Sabong operations, and other related tasks.

“Sabong” or the placing of bets on live cockfighting is an established tradition in the Philippines that dates as early as three thousand (3,000) years ago. The gaming activity is essentially placing two roosters/cocks in an arena and betting on which between the two comes out victorious.

The AMLC is working with Pagcor and related government agencies to enforce the law. Domingo added that the removal of e-sabong from Pagcor's responsibility will also lower its earnings targets.