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Cockfighting is extremely popular in my country, the Philippines. In fact, it's a multi-billion peso industry, and if it were to be shut down, many ordinary citizens would be affected. It's said that cockfighting existed even before the Spanish conquest, which is why I believe it's deeply embedded in our culture and tradition, making it difficult to simply put an end to it.

Although many people say that cockfighting is cruel to animals, setting that issue aside and focusing on the event itself, I find it incredibly thrilling. The matches can be highly addictive—especially if you have a genuine passion for these birds.

Your thoughts?

I think it's dumb as hell personally. You're addicted to the thrill of the gamble most likely, not the animals fighting to the death. I agree that it's animal cruelty as well. Maybe anyone engaging in the activity should be thrown in a cage and have to fight to the death, then maybe people will find something better to do with their time than watch animals kill each other. Gamble on something where death isn't involved.

I don't like living beings at stake for someone's entertainment, and it's bloody game — it's not just two cocks fighting but it's life and death; in image you have put, they have blades in their foot, it's cruel.

One would not like their body cut, then why put other bodies through same? May be people don't have empathy, hence they are able to do such things.

My family actually loves to gamble on this, but I don’t.. for the simple reason that I believe animals shouldn’t be hurt. There can be other types of betting, but it shouldn’t involve killing animals. I don’t tell them to stop what they’re doing, but I just don’t follow that kind of gambling.

I’m also a gambler myself, but I stick to sports betting instead of cockfighting.

In our country, cockfighting is already part of the culture… just not a culture I personally like.

Are those cooks actually fighting out of their own will? Because I don't really understand how they make them fight each other tirelessly until one goes down. If they are not injected with something, it's an abuse of animals in my own opinion as well. If the government finds it absurd since they are really making moves in reducing gambling activities in your country, banning it will affect many people, but I will prefer it over some human activities which they regard as sport.

This gambling is indeed very popular in my country but I don’t have any slight interest on betting with animal cruelty.

Aside from animal abuse, the payout is not that enticing since the house edge is too huge while you need to at least bet on underdog rooster just to have decent payout.

There’s a rich person behind this business which I doubt the government can close this gambling since it’s already a tradition in our country,

Sabong is for sure ingrained in Philippines society & governed by the Cockfighting Act PD 449, however allude to it as thrilling it skips spares us the cash, craving & physical harm. After social disturbance, debt & disappearances, the government literally shut down e Sabong 2 years ago.  imo this was just damage control rather than a moral panic. Set loss limits, impose age & identity scan, manage funds & keep up a strict licence, not only online, if it remains. While tradition is worthy of admiration, welfare takes precedence over gambling.

In cockfighting, the cocks will have to fight to death or to the extent that one cock is several injured to the extent that it can later even die and be killed after. Humans are wicked has been the reason this kind of game is still existing. As humans feel pain, the animals are also feeling pain. Such games needs to be banned by the government. There are other games that are existing.

Why is this so? How will they be affected? Are they beneficiaries of this multi-billion peso industry or are they the ones that the industry is feeding off-of?
It is cruelty to animals. But I am not the one to judge. What other interesting stuff goes on aside watching animals fight to the death for the thrills of humans? Anyone who has genuine passion for these birds would not put them in that condition.

Yes, cockfighting is a cruel international crime & should be banned. you know many countries have already banned it, the United States? It is illegal in all 50 states & federal law prohibits the transportation or betting on fights. My neighboring country Costa Rica & Paraguay restrictions are also in place for animal welfare & public policy. In some parts of India or rural areas such events still take place underground however that does not make it right. There needs to be a zero tolerance n a full stop against this cruel practice.

It's annoying to see how cruel humans are. Imagine, two people fighting to death and only one survives. It's same thing with these animals. What's the fun, the thrill and passion that's derived in this game. I will rather bet on sportbet and casino games.

In Phillipines, I believe that to see a cock will be rare and very expensive because almost all of them will be reserved for gambling. It is saddens me that the government support this kind of game.

This is a topic which has been discussed here before, by the way. You could have found about what we all think about cockfighting by using the search feature of the forum, but anyways...

I believe cockfighting to be some kind of animal abuse, not only because people are forcing to animals to fight to death, but also because in many occasions the cocks are held in very bad conditions, specially if they are not animals with a high degree of victories or a good lineage. I have a cousin who used to be quite involved into cockfighting, he would spend much money to import a cock directly from Spain, and I remember an occasion when he executed one of his losing animals right on from of us (I was a teen),  because it made him to lose money at the fighting pit.

It is better just to stick to casino games and betting in sports, where no animal is suffering severely.

Thoughts will depend on the perspective you have, and your perspective of it will depend on things like your moral standards and your culture. Culture has, in many cases, shaped the moral standards. This is why someone in the Philippines may see this as just a sport, like dog racing, etc., and that is okay, but someone elsewhere, where it is not a culture, may consider it cruelty to animals.

Personally I like to not judge based on my perspective, and I will say, just as humans have fighters who are in the sport to entertain, I like to think that these animals are the fighters of their own species and are happy with the entertainment that they are providing, just like livestock guardian dogs or the herding dogs that work on farms for protection of livestock and herding purposes.

I am not just happy that they are allowed to fight to their death.

I have nothing against it, maybe others see it as a cruelty to animals. But if you have been brought up to a society that makes cockfighting a norm like in the Philippines, (and If I'm not mistaken, the Spanish colonial might have influence it) so there are no qualms about it.

But for those who are not familiar or even not aware that cocks are being used as a sports in some part of the globe, then they will be against it. Just like in horse racing as well, popular in US and Asia and even in Middle East but it's frown upon by some nation as well.

So we all have our opinions on animals abuse or cruelty to animals and it's going to be a century old debate.

Yes, I do agree that this is a form of cruelty and animal abuse. So I'm against this kind of sports, although I fell into horse racing, which to some extend is also animal abuse, but deaths doesn't not happen in every race. Unlike in cockfighting that it's either both or one of them are killed in front of those bettors and they are celebrating the death of an animal as a form of winning to them.

So maybe to each it's own, but I guess if we talk about morality and ethics in this world, animal cruelty is one hotly topic. We could enjoy gambling by not involving this animals and still win some money.

Like you said, it's a cultural kind of thing that has been there right from the olden people of your country, probably that's why they don't want to ban it (it has become a tradition for them) and I believe that some countries has some other cultural activities that might not really be pleasant to other people, this cock fighting or any other form of animals fighting is not in my country, the only thing we have here is wrestling among citizens. If those cocks are allowed to fight to death, then it's very bad though, I won't participate in betting on such game.

For me its fight if its been done on right area like coliseums and the people could access it is on the right age like no minor is allowed to enter on the premises.

What I'm not fine is they market it and include it on online gambling then make it accessible to anyone. Since this is how the problem starts especially that lots of people can access it and they can control the volume of bettors entering on the platforms.

Yeah its cruel for other especially if they have tradition to protect the animals. But for countries in Asia which this one is their tradition I guess people just need to respect their customary. As long as they regulated it well and only those people in right age could able to gamble in those places.

There are many things that can be cultural but which need to be stopped. I have heard of a country that they were killing twins before thinking they are not normal humans. Also I have heard many countries with absurd things before and this is beyond book but realities. Cockfighting is bad for the animals and it should be stopped. Something that is not good about culture should be eradicated.

There is no opinion when talking about cockfighting gambling unless you see chickens that are limp to death covered in blood, gambling cockfighting is done, especially Southeast Asia where almost the average neighboring country does that.

But in my area, cockfighting gambling is not cruel, most of us risk the chicken to close the weapon in his feet, so no one hurts each other, except mouth vs. None of the mouths showed weapons on their feet, although there were also those who risked naked weapons but we did a little.

Does it mean other means of eligibility for gambling is for the rich? Because it is assumed it is the only event common people can bet on according to you that if this game is shutdown it will affect the ordinary people.
I doubt what negative effect this will cause on the ordinary people. Perhaps there are sports, lottery and even casino games in the Philippine. So if in any case the government have to ban it, then I don't think of any harm it will cause among the citizens. Of course they can channel their passion for gambling to other events. 

What I only understand there is that the action will cut off the entertainment for participants who enjoys it while in the other way round, the cruelty of the cockfighting may have the potential of encouraging viewers especially kids to practice equivalently which maybe dangerous for human
This reason is why most countries had banned it while the Philippine still have it as part of their traditional social events

You are right mate, I have also heard about the killing of twins baby in some country but has been stopped and some other activities too that were stopped. I am not even in support of this cock fighting activity but the only way it can be banned is if the government in charge are not too traditional that they might even want it to continue. If the government were against it, then it should have stopped by now.

Two questions that I expect OP to answer is that, are these cooks allowed to fight to death? Secondly if the cocks die on the process of these fight, are they being processed and consumed for meat?

This is extreme gambling practice for lives to be involved for these animals to fight to death dismisses every thrills that it gives. The cocks might be animals but they do have right to proper death and not in the way I have watched them die in those videos online about cockfighting.

We might all share our cultural differences which makes this practice popular and acceptable that banning it can affect your country men but must lives be taken before gambling can be thrilling and profiting?

It can be surprising that the fight to death is what entices the supporters of this form of gambling and not actually the profit.

Even though it’s part of our culture, I’m not really a fan of cockfighting. It’s not because of cruelty or anything, I just don’t like it. I prefer casino games over cockfighting. There are a lot of gamblers in our community who are addicted to it. There’s an arena nearby in our area, and if there’s a Derby, man, even at 12 mn there are still a lot of people gambling. I have a relative who has been a seafarer for three decades or more, but his life is still the same because of cockfighting. He already has no money even before he signs a new contract and goes back on board.

It is very wrong and cruel to animals  :-[
I would never have the courage to watch or bet on this type of event
For me, this extreme cruelty to any animal makes no sense at all

Nowadays, we have so many good options for betting peacefully, such as casinos, sports, and even UFC fights, boxing, etc., that there is no justification for such cruelty to animals
In Brazil, it is the law, and it has been a crime since 1961

I definitely wouldn't bet on it. I don't see how a fight involving these animals could be considered entertainment. They are being forced into this kind of unpleasant situation, and worse are the people who are watching and betting on it as if it were a good thing. Honestly, if people like fights, why don't they bet on boxing and UFC?

In boxing and UFC, the athletes are professionals. They fight with rules that say they shouldn't kill their opponents, there are areas of the body where they shouldn't strike. But in this cockfight, that doesn't exist. The cockfighters don't have that notion. They're fighting for each other's survival. That's using animals, especially since the winning cockfighters don't get paid. In other words, people are playing with the lives of the cockfighters.

Correct me if i am wrong but cockfighting can became an big industry which very promising in Thailand it because this gambling games is official in that country even if i am not mistaken there was an annual tournament which the prizes is so huge probably million of bath and usually the champion of that tournament will have an advantages because their farm will be very famous and many people will bought the cockfighting at their farm

I am not from philipine but i was grow in the middle of cockfighting farm it because my father used to has small farm and i was involved to the thing liked this more than 15 years but currently i had decide to retired because i think cockfighting is not good and animal abuse besides that this game is illegal in my country

Cockfighting is quite popular in my country. I even have a brother who raises fighting cocks to resell. Fortunately I'm not interested in betting money on this type of game, even though cockfighting doesn't always end in death. I still can't enjoy it, especially knowing that most of the losing cocks end up dying. Besides there are other more enjoyable forms of betting.

I love eating chicken, but it’s a different story when two chickens are killing each other. As an animal lover, it’s heartbreaking to witness a slowly dying animal; it’s a century-old game. This is why people get excited about cockfighting. It’s a tradition that influences people’s outlook.
Online cockfighting has become so popular in our country that it has become controversial because of the killings of people involved in cockfighting who cheat in the matches, so it's just right that it be stopped.

I have bet on cockfighting several times in my area. It's not a big arena, but rather a small one located in the forest. This is because cockfighting and forms of gambling are prohibited, so all cockfighting enthusiasts do it in places that are not detected by the public. Although the place is small, the bets placed are quite large. And I do not see cockfighting as something cruel. I see it the same way as when you are a big fan of UFC or boxing.

I don't think the cocks will be that stupid to keep fighting themselves till one is dead or badly hurts and I think something could be motivating them to continue fighting the Op should tell us if the cocks are giving something to motivate them to continue fighting since it's a kind of culture in his country. The government has made several attempts to reduce gambling activities in Op's country the one I'm aware of is the E-wallet funding they stopped.

Most of the game farm main goal is to gain profit from selling their cock for premium price. They are joining derby tournament to boost their reputation and increase the premium of their farm.

In my area, there’s a lot of game farm that popular on selling their cock for 100K and above PHP or 2000$ equivalent.

Cock fighting is now become more popular due to more exposure on online sabong.

The government of the Philippines has tried that in the past, but it only became a source of corruption. The illegal cockfighting operator bribes policemen and government officials to operate, since the government badly needs money, they legalize it until it becomes a multi-billion-peso industry. It’s easy to reach that status because it is a part of the tradition and is handed down from generation to generation.

People in our country are used to seeing cockfighting. I’ve even seen animal lovers betting on cockfighting; people here in our country treat it very differently from other animals. They treat cock and chicken as food, so they don’t care if they fight to the death.

Being cruel looks like they are instigated against each other, or except it is referred to casino games but that also is fictitious ( meaning casino betting on cock fighting isn't not real) We can be talking of cruelty if there is a away that they are instigated against each other to fight themselves physically. I believe cock are lower animals and may not be instigated against each other. One of the causes of cock fight is territorial possession. The protection of territory is found in every animal including human and especially the protection of their female. So a cock coming over to another territory to frolick with a hen there should be ready to fight it out when the dominant male catches it in his territory. So in most cases, that is what causes the fight. But I know sheep can be set up for a fighting competition especially during festivals.

But regards to the betting itself, I don't know if casinos have that but as a child, I remember it was thrilling to see cock fight, we watch and probably have bet but not with money ( as a child) . At that time, we pierce a broomstick on the ground and stand it erect with the superstitious believe that they will continue to fight for a long time so that we can keep watching them fight to blood spilling from their head. That was then as a child but at the moment I don't think I have such time to waste watching animal fight themselves and talking about betting on them, there are other sports to bet on.

If cockfights can cause some kind of gambling addiction, then I would, without even examining the player, send him to a good psychologist for treatment. For me, it's only blood and cruelty that is inflicted on animals, which can hardly be called exciting here, I can hardly call it. Perhaps these fights are popular in one country, but I know most countries where cockfights are strictly prohibited, and for me, this is considered a normal ban, since this is savagery, indicating the underdevelopment of those who are ready to pay money to watch.

For those saying that these animals shouldn't be hurt remember you still end up eating except you are a vegetarian...I understand that it's a barbaric thing to witness but not everyone consider this to be a serious thing because even though they are living things they are cocks at the end of the day...reason why I can't put my money on such is the risk involved, you can't really tell which one of the cock is stronger

Unfortunately, my friend, there are more than a lot of people who like such "fights" and bet like crazy on them. And sadly, I'm sure that if you put 2 people in a cage to fight till death, it will have more success than animals. I'm 1000% against any of these "fights", and I would never support them in any way. Even if the "fight" is between 2 bugs.

It's the most stupid thing that could exist, it's infinitely base and truly abominable, and surely there will be many people who bet on it, these poor animals are exploited to the max and even blades are placed under their paws to do even more harm, terrible.

This is very popular in the Philippines, even though there are government departments that condemn animal cruelty. For some reason, cockfighting doesn’t really fall into their definition of it, maybe because it’s already widely accepted in the community. It was brought here by the Spanish and has been part of the culture for centuries.

Other countries hate this type of gambling, but here in the Philippines, it’s probably the most popular form of gambling, imo.

People will definitely not participate in any competition where death is inevitable, even if it is a million dollar competition.
Because they want to collect money for their survival. That is why we should not think of making money by putting any animal at risk of death. Every life in the world has that value, be it a human or an animal or a bird.
I have heard of cockfighting but have never seen it with my own eyes. Again, many times in videos, it is seen that there is a bloodthirsty competition going on where bullfighting is taking place. If someone says that these are just entertainment, then I will say that there are many other areas of entertainment, we should enjoy investing from there, not by putting any living being at risk of life or death.

My father is a lover of cockfighting so expect that we raised some few cocks at home. So I was actually born with that kind of environment. But to be honest, now that I’m also mature enough and in fact a real gambler, I don’t have any engrossment with cocks, no matter how my father loved that type of betting. That’s because I’m seriously against with animal cruelty, and I felt pity for those cocks who have been killed after fighting. Worst is, these gamblers even rejoice for victory when they see the other animal is killed because that would mean winnings on their part.

Sad reality about cockfighting, cocks do not live to die for gambling, but I don’t think cockfighters were able to realize that.

I don't like this kind gambling.

If people want to bet on animal, the game should be not torture the animal, instead it should be like dog race, horse race, smartest dolphin etc.

Yep usually the rich people want to see the uncommon thing.

Many people will watch the fight and bet for it, the problem is human rights organizations and government who fight against that idea.

This is traditional gambling, which only exists in a few countries, and those are countries in Asia.
This gambling is like torture to animals, so I do not like this gambling, and in my country, it is illegal.
They play secretly, but despite being illegal, the money flow is very big.

My father was also addicted to cockfighting, and he was actually growing roosters to fight in events. I saw how he grows them and even feeds them vitamins just to get them stronger. I was actually amazed at how much money and time he spends with those roosters than with his own kids.
He also wasted a lot of money on that habit and never had a chance to make some savings. Not even an SS number. So, when he is gone, he has left nothing for his kids.

Luckily, I didn't get the same hobby, and I don't really like cockfighting. It's not about animal cruelty, but more like it's almost the same as boxing, so I'd rather bet on those types of sports.

Only people that are sick would actually enjoy such a thing to gamble on. They might just be animals but it's a little gross to me when you watch one spilling the others guts out, funny enough people see this as a hobby. in so countries this is illegal because it's a torture of animals, the organizers might get arrested for it but sadly animals are not treated with care or protected in every country because laws are different

I really don't like it, and I haven't taken my time to watch any, but to me, I feel games like this are sarcastically funny, even though they are not. I can't really fault anyone who is into this kind of gambling though. I guess it is just their own way of defining entertainment and creating joy for themselves, which makes it even more weird.

I don't want to believe that certain people in my country are into this form of gambling, but I won't be surprised, humans can literally pull the most crazy surprises when less expected.

Regulations are more strict in Philippines already and we may also see that allowing cockfighting game is one of the things the government together with some specific agencies in charge of animals may not allow for this, because it's goes against the way of right to life on some of these animals all in the name of our own pleasures, we are starving them, suffering them and not having in mid that they are also living things, instigating animals against each other is not what is right, that is why governments will be more strict in the aspect of gambling.

Most won't realize the true nature of this type of gambling because it is like part of their culture also. So they are not seeing the cruel side of this activity. As we have seen, this has been part of humanity long time ago and have been here in so many generations that it would be too hard to eradicate from their way of life. Like horse racing and other racing contests which use animals at their own disposal. So I don't think, it can be eradicated that fast by any government authority. It would take a life-changing decision why they would finally stop such gambling activity. It may entail very disturbing situations like the ones in PH where there was like a mass murder of cockfighters. But if not, it is like, life goes on for these gambling games.

While you're thrilled, there goes the animal welfare supporters that will be up against you and the others that are enjoying cockfighting. But to say that it's been part of the culture and tradition there, it's hard to remove this from everyone who has grown up to do this. I think from your fathers down to the next generation, this can't just be removed easily. And even there will be no bets included, cockfighting will continue and will be the actual fun of the breeders that have a farm of fighting roosters. So, the justification for both lovers and against of it are there.

Animal torture? ;D
You know what should be considered to be more illegal? Executing and slaughtering the same animal for meat, I think that's way worst than allowing two animals knock themselves out and using that medium as an opportunity to have fun and make money, IMO. Like if it's not illegal to kill those animals, then why exactly should it be illegal to allow the same animals kick each others' butts on the ring. Like I don't just get it.

I think this is for those who have been watching such fights since childhood, and it does not stop and generations after generations, when fathers and grandfathers, great-grandfathers were passionate about these fights, then most likely there will be no reason to stop them. Of course, I do not claim that this will last forever and everything ever ends. Who knows, maybe young people will slowly switch to betting on eSports or something similar. In any case, I do not see any reason to stop them right now, although I do not bet on cockfights, because in my country this has never happened and most people prefer to bet on football in the local championship or the Champions League.

I believe cock fighting is an interesting game. The first people who originated this game, the inspiration they had is unique, to think of how two cocks can fight, and after training them to fight exactly the way they were trained. The most interesting part of this game, is that the cock owners have to put in some extra work to make their cock strong, healthy and fearless. So its a matter of intelligence, skill and talent. Too bad its not done in my country, so I cannot relate with it literally but I've watched movies too.

the last time i saw something that looks like a cook fighting and how they got them to fight was while i was quite younger. adult will pin two broom stick upside down and tell us that as long as the stick is not unpinned, that the cook will continue fighting. it is usually a torturing thing to behind seeing that the cook will wound themselves and still continue fighting. ofcause, since it has gotten to the stage where people bet on this kind of thing, it wil not be strange to discover that those animals are actually injected with substance so they will continue fighting and the big question is, for what end? just for entertainment? it might not be as bad as allowing underage kids combart themselves in  ring but it is still a bad sports that doesn not had anything to anybody and is definately not what should be tagged as fun to watch.

It seems that cockfighting is quite popular in some countries. It's almost similar to what happens in my country. However, cockfighting is essentially a competitive activity, but many people use it as a form of gambling. This has been going on for a long time, perhaps even since my ancestors; it seems like it's been a frequent occurrence since ancient times.

In fact, cockfighting is a cultural phenomenon on one of the islands in Indonesia. But of course,
Cockfighting is a culture that's controversial.
Yes, there's certainly controversy because it's considered a violation of animal rights, but on the other hand, it's considered a cultural practice that they're trying to protect. On the other hand, in some other regions, they consider cockfighting to be gambling, which is much more prohibited.

More about cockfighting:
Source: Cockfighting in Bali: Tradition and controversy (https://mytravelindonesia.com/travel-agency-bali-indonesia/travel-guide/cockfighting-in-bali-tradition-and-controversy/)

Yeah, it's been in the bloodline and being passed on to the next generations. That's why it's hard to remove this culture and the younger adults now have brought this when they've grown up.

I would love to see it since we're in the digital age. And as you've said, this is barely going to be removed when it's been in the roots of their fathers father and even today. As long as it's legal in their culture, the activists might be against to them but if they're allowed to do it and they're not breaking their local law, who cares.

I believe horse racing more acceptable, to be honest. Because it is within the interest of the racer and the trainers to keep their horses as healthy and happy as possible, so they have more chances to get money out their performance in important races. In developed countries it is not lawful to hold events of cock fighting, but it is possible to bet on horse races, because there is a very tight regulation on the management and treatment of horses, if some trainer is going guilty of neglect and cruelty against animals, then they are prosecuted, something which does not happen in countries like mine.
So I would be okey with betting on horses, if the race takes place in the United States, England, the European Union or other countries in which animal well-being is important and respected by the local government.
There is way so much difference between cockfighting and races.

To play a cockfighting game could be so interesting and entertaining, however, we should also not only focus on our own pleasure alone, but the risk and harm we cause on these animals for fighting against each other, this is why some will not support the idea of using animals to fight each other all because of our own entertainment purpose, while some never thought of this as bad to do, but I think it's more better to engaged the virtual cockfighting than the ones that happens live using the birds.

Animal cruelty is what many will say about this. And it's a disagreement from those who likes animals.
But to those who are used to this, this is a normal gambling thing. And if there are animals involved with betting. I think those people that doesn't like this type of cruelty will simply like horse racing, pig racing and other types of race where animals are involved.
And if this is about the cockfighting and there's one that needs to be dead and bloody, they won't like that type of betting.

Actually, there's no difference between this and boxing; it also involves killing each other. The only difference is that this cockfighting doesn't use gloves; instead, they use something sharp, which makes these chickens kill each other.

It is the same as in dog fighting, but this one turns out to be illegal nowadays, so you can't find this in public. So cockfighting must be illegal too because there's a law for animals not only here in my country but worldwide.

Well, I'm not so interested in cockfighting; I am more comfortable betting on horse racing if we talk about animal bets.

I don't really like animal cruelty or any way possible where animals get forced hurt and people gamble on it. Imagine people growing their cocks, spending a lot of money for good feeds and vitamins just for a cockfighting? that's insane tbh. Instead of saving the money for a monthly budget, you're trying to spend a lot and gamble your cock since you still have a chance to lose that fight and go home with nothing. Very nonsense for me so I don't really like it even I grew up with people who used to cockfighting. Very cruel tbh, and the recent crime about cockfighting where people got thrown to a lake because of match fixing, cockfight causes a lot of violence because the activity itself is violence too.

 If we compare it with horse racing or greyhound racing, at least those events don’t always end with one animal dead on the spot. Cockfighting almost always does. That’s where I personally draw the line. Gambling is fine, but once it comes at the cost of unnecessary suffering, it stops being about “fun” and becomes just cruelty masked as culture.
That said, I know in some regions it’s not going away anytime soon, and governments often just tolerate it as long as there’s betting money flowing. But globally, the trend is clear: activities like this are getting less acceptable year by year.
 There are plenty of ways to gamble without killing animals. If people really need that thrill, sports betting, casinos, or even crypto prediction markets are healthier alternatives than staging fights to the death.

Cockfighting is not popular in my country, infact I have never heard of it before in my country. I only heard about it online and here in this forum. It might be thrilling and fun to people who love and practice it but not applicable to those who don't practice it. I would have loved to watch live cockfighting, but since it's not possible in this part of the world then their is no point putting it into consideration. I even wonder how a cock was trained to fight it fellow Cock while in my country hardly you even come close to Cock.

Why cock fighting in the first place? There are other forms of gambling that can be designed which will also generate money for the company that sponsors it. This is really unfair to treats animals like that mean while they can equally feel pains like we do, if that's the only way to generate money in your country then it's very bad, those people supporting it can making money from other form of gambling and not only must it be through the fighting of cocks.

Cock fighting in most regions are illegal as it seem cruel to let animals fight till death. Though cock fighting hass been in existence for a long time even before some casinos  where developed, its one of the early forms of gambling, I'm  shocked to hear that something of this such still exists. Well I've not bet on a cock fight before I'm better off gambling on football games and casino games rather. Or better still horse racing or dog racing, which is also an old gambling game and till date i still enjoy them. Though sometimes it's interesting to watch two animals fight naturally without it being influenced  by anyone, that reminds me that not only humans have the mindset of conquering and dominating.

Not interested in cockfighting at all. I see no sport, competition, betting opportunity in it. That is just one animal try to kill other animal. Wildlife is full of it. About 30 years ago I was in Spain and watched bullfighting event. Did not understand as well what was so special watching many men kill bull. That was so pathetic, as bull has zero chances to win. Cockfighting, they are also single use rooster. One gets killed, other injured and with high chance end in pot.

However I think this cockfight has existed in Philippines for a long time and has been part of their culture till today. Actually I have not gambled in the cockfight game before because I haven't seen it in my region (I guess it's not popular in my region). Actually with the way you are taking and hyping the cockfight game I believe if the game is banned in Philippines alot of cockfight bettors will not be happy, mostly those that have become addicted to the game.

On this, I would always go with the animal activists that call it animal cruelty. I mean, what is in it for these animals, what’s there take from all these cock fights. You just match 2 animals against themselves in a bloody battle and we get amusement from it. I’m certainly not in for that, I don’t like it and I don’t support it. Perhaps it’s a simulation sport, that would be fine or have them engage in activities such as we have in the dog race, I would be cool with that but, not where these animals gets to blind themselves from a fight or sustain serious injury and we are at the end of it’s benefits.

Anywhere there an opportunity for me to make money from gambling, you'll see me there. I haven't had the opportunity to bet on cock fighting but if I had the privilege I'll do it. It's just a fight and the birds don't die from this so why will people think it's bad for the birds fighting. All animals fight therefore they're just doing what they'll do on a normal day. It's just that the people betting are getting entertained and also making money that's the difference. If the fight aren't there, the birds will still fight on their own. This type of betting though can't make me addicted because it doesn't involve me playing the games and having the chance to win because of my decision making. Everything is in the hands of the cocks fighting. -

I have visited these types of events, and I do not like it at all, it is a very noisy environment for my tastes, but the worst thing is to see those animals, how they are left, since not all fights end in d3ath, they usually end up blind, or the rooster's head is bruised and swollen to the point where they can hardly breathe, in my country of birth they cut their spurs and put others with a sharp material on them and they tear off the feathers of their legs so that they have more agility, if it were up to me I would remove it regardless of whether it is part of the culture, that is animal abuse in its entirety, and it is no different from dog fighting.

The game would have been much better if the outcome of this game was not death or no animal was injured. Since it is a game about life, the game does not seem acceptable to me. Every country has its own history or tradition, so this game in the Philippines is their traditional game, but I think we should gradually get out of this game.

Because animals benefit us in some way or another, so it is our responsibility to show a tolerant attitude towards them by not betting on them.

Although this game is popular in the Philippines, it is a banned game in most countries of the world.

It will never be fun to me watching animals fight to death and I will not bet in such cruelty, I think it’s something that should not happen, in my country cockfight is not popular but we have ram fight and I also think it is cruel. There is a line between fun and wickedness and cockfight is a very wicked and cruel sport.

Cockfighting isn't a sport - in my opinion, it's a form of traditional gambling that predates modern gambling. I'm not a fan of it and to this day, I've never participated in it, even as a spectator - but some people actually find cockfighting a fun activity. Cockfighting is different from boxing which is called a sport - so cockfighting should not be a sports bet and it is called other bets.

About cockfighting betting - I have never bet anything on cockfighting, but it might be interesting when I am near the arena even though it is actually difficult for me to choose which chicken will win. But then I realized that cockfighting is a popular bet in society and is of interest to certain groups.

Although these fights are enjoyable to watch, I do not consider the conduct of these fights to be positive from another perspective. Although these fights are very popular in some places. I personally understand that dumb animals cannot express their emotions and passions. I would not like it if they were harmed while fighting. If the atmosphere of any other game other than cockfighting could have been created, I would not have had any complaints.

It's not a good idea to cheer when an animal is killed. Here, two animals will fight to the death and many will cheer and many will bet against each other. This doesn't seem like a good to me. There are thousands of games to have fun and bet on, and it's okay to have fun with them, but it's never admirable to intentionally kill a living creature for fun. I always condemn it. It's not fair.

This is incredible?
Why put blades in their feet?
Is there no way to determine a winner without having them cut one another to death?
Meanwhile, What happens if the birds refuse to fight. Naturally, birds don't begin fight immediately they see their mates.
How am I sure that those birds are not being influenced or intoxicated with drugs before allowing them to kill each other?

Honestly, this is so cruel and not a sport a vegan should watch.

It seems so wrong to me to have roosters fight just for money and betting.

When I hear the word cockfighting, I remember an incident I experienced as a child. Our house rooster was a big, beefy rooster. I saw they were going to fight the neighbor's rooster. I thought, "Our rooster will definitely beat him up, so I'll let him fight." But 😂
I had to pry our rooster from the other rooster's hand.
Blood started flowing everywhere. The neighbor's rooster was a fighting rooster. Our rooster almost died. 😂😀

Cockfighting is common in our country, too. I've heard of people organizing cockfights, but I've never encountered one, and it doesn't really interest me. I'm more interested in professional human fighting; people are at least conscious and engage in it as a sport. Rooster or other animal fights strike me as cruelty to animals, so I stay away. But this kind of animal fighting has become a part of some countries' culture, and there's no way to stop it.

betting on someone’s life has existed before

don’t humans particularly the romans used to watch men fight in colosseum so we know that humans have watched humans fight for fun and now they can’t do it so they do it with animals and it is indeed cruel

I don't know in which countries cockfighting is common, but it's something I've heard of before. Unfortunately, it is not limited to roosters but other animals as well. I personally find it disgusting that people put animals in such positions, often starving them to death to make them violent and abusing them in many ways. I would never gamble in such a sector; even if there was money to be made, it would be hypocritical and promote an industry that needs to stop. We're not in medieval times anymore.

It will never be gone in our lives here in the country. Even online, it was before but already banned. So, the physical cockpits are going to be the go-to of the cockfight bettors. Others won't agree to this type of gambling but in our local area, this is the norm. Especially if there are fiestas and other celebrations in the countryside. There will be events like this and for those that don't know it yet, it's called "tupada" in our local language. There are two active cockpits that are nearby to me but I don't go there, it's always crowded when I used to pass by.

This time around, not only the birds are used for fighting each other, other animals too engage the same purpose as people tend to use them for their own pleasure, we have the likes of ram and so many others that also fights for entertainment purpose, which to an extent, some people also never have the conscience that these animals too were put in danger and hardships while in use for their own personal benefits, to be entertained, we shouldn't force or abuser our right over the control of these animals against each other.

I have sent this kind of thread in the gambling section. And this type of gambling is not a popular type and it is only found in the Asia continent which is predominantly in China. I have watched it in Chinese Movies but I have not seen it in real life. And the way those cocks fight, they look focused and we'll trained and they know that they are fighting for money and gambling because the way they fight like unthinkable beings but fighting like human who have focus.

In the picture it is very clear that the chickens pitted in the arena are equipped with sharp weapons or what is often called spurs. So they don't even give the chicken a chance to live after the fight, they just pit the chicken to death. This is totally unacceptable. And when someone loses in cockfighting, they not only lose their money but also their chicken because it dies.

While cockfighting may be thrilling and exciting for some people, it's hard to ignore that this is indeed animal abuse. But people have always associated this with the context of culture and tradition so that cockfighting continues to this day. But it is still a bad tradition and should be abandoned.

I have not witnessed this type of gambling before and I do not think it is common in this part of the world were I come from. That aside, this cock fighting sports isn't what I think I can be doing or watching because it is so below sportsmanship principles and I wonder what kind of fun people catch in watching such a fight. To be frank this type of gambling isn't my type of kind and so I don't think I can be able to have anything doing with such a sport.

I consider cockfighting to be a bad form of gambling and an act of animal cruelty. It's true that in some parts of Asia, cockfighting gambling is very familiar and is even one of the most popular forms of gambling. I don't know exactly how the scoring system works to determine the winner in cockfighting, some might have to wait until one of the roosters dies.

As I recall, cockfighting gambling used to be very famous, perhaps due to the limited advancement of technology (there were no online casinos yet) which led many people to enjoy betting on it. I would choose to avoid betting on this kind of gambling and probably never will because of the element of animal cruelty.

The thing is, this is also a industry, it's a big business, as there are what we call breeders, who raises great lineage of cock fighters. Even in some states in the US, I think it is legal to have cockfighting and some of their breeds are one of the best in the world. So for me, I don't mind cockfighting as a sports. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those who loves to see animals getting killed. But if you are in a society that accepts this as a norm, then I have to embrace it as it is part of our heritage as well. And maybe there are other weird sports in our country that we didn't know that might also involved animals being killed for the love of the game.

It’s so big that it is actually legal but it should only be held in cockpits and during Sundays also but it doesn’t really stop there because the fights also happen underground or illegally. So even if it becomes illegal, I doubt that it will be stopped.
I don’t think someone with genuine passion for birds will enjoy cockfighting lol, It would break their heart a little too much.

I don't agree with cockfighting. It's a very violent practice that hurts animals that aren't to blame. I know it still happens, but I don't support it because it involves suffering just for entertainment or profit for those who bet. There are much better ways to have fun or bet without causing anyone pain.

If you've really got genuine passion for these birds, I don't think you would willingly put in a pit and have it fight to the death.
Cockfighting, I must admit is very popular. How people came to bet on chickens fighting, I don't know but i do know It just doesn't seem humane and it's quite cruel. These birds are literally bred to fight and likely die just as stallions are bred for racing.
I haven't witnessed this form of 'sport' before and I don't think I'll enjoy it as I do football. With normal regular sports, you win, lose or you draw. There's no blood, guts and definitely no death involved.

Death is never the end of two cocks fighting, they gets tired fighting each other and separate themselves while going their way, they don't fight till death and there is no winner so I don't see any point for betting in this fight when literally no awards to given to either cock.

The interesting fun that comes out of it is the whole trilling experience.

Indeed, it's even in our books and it's considered as one of the favorite past time in our country. And in the last 5 years, it has grown tremendously, thanks to Atong Ang and e-sabong.


Maybe others won't really understand the passion of the Filipinos to this sports as again, as you have said, pre-Spanish, we already have this sports in our country. So it's really hard to forget or removed it as we consider this as a sports already. Not to argue with animal welfare society, I do hope that they will respect our culture.

For some people, it's a thrilling, exciting, and entertaining spectacle. But for us, it's something so eerie, we can't even imagine the appeal of cockfighting, other than watching them fight (and being forced to fight) until they're injured and even die.

There's much controversy surrounding cockfighting, both from an animal perspective and from a long-standing cultural perspective. However, the issue isn't that complex. Cockfighting is closely associated with gambling, so whenever there's a cockfight, there's bound to be some gambling involved. This is one reason why it's banned in many regions.

I don't see any thrill in it if the winning is decided based on the death of the opponent be if human or animal. :)

And the reason for cockfighting is to find out the best cock from the batch and use it for breeding but we derailed from the concept a lot and I don't think cocks winning in the fights use to mate with chicken and breed the best and healthiest chickens so that we can eat them and get more protein from it.

I don't approve or disapprove of it since it's related to culture, let them decide what is best.

Same as other member thought about it.  Cockfighting is pure cruelty.  Why need to attach a gaff or slasher blades to those roosters when they can just give them muffs and score the match just like in boxing?  The death of a rooster can be avoided simply by revising the rules and changing equipment.  But still people who loves bloodshed are thrilled with these roosters fighting to the death. 


Just because it is related to culture, is it ok? There are lots of cultures that were banned or forbidden because it became a taboo as humanity progresses. Why not modify these cockfighting cultures so that no one have to shed blood among these fighting cocks.

I live in an area where this kind of event is normal, it happens every Sunday. Honestly, it never gave me any interest to try it. I never really understood how the betting worked, even when I started learning other forms of gambling like cards with friends. Later, they even brought it online and called it e-sabong a few years ago.

Back then, I also didn’t think much about the animal cruelty side of it, since cockfighting is so common here. In the mornings, the older folks would often have 'sparring' fights with their roosters in our compound. More men would gather around to watch, laughing and enjoying it, but I never really understood why they found it entertaining.

 
 
Thousands of people earn their livelihood as breeders, and numerous breeding farms across the country employ handlers and gaffers to support the operations. In a cockpit arena, gambling accounts for only about 30% of the activity—the rest revolves around commerce and community. It’s difficult to grasp the full picture unless you visit an arena yourself, but that’s the reality on the ground. These venues employ a range of staff, including referees, who are also considered formal employees."

I remember when COVID hit and cockfighting was temporarily stopped, those people mentioned above really struggled to adjust and find other means of livelihood because they had grown so accustomed to it.

Cockfighting is available in Asia countries although they can only have it in a secret place because of the government regulations that prohibit it. Some people here are still doing this but they don't show in public because polices will arrest them. Some people do not agree with that because they think that is too cruel to animals.

When Covid hit, they could not do that but when Covid reduced, cockfighting continued but this time, they are strict with people who want to participate. They don't allow many people in one room but that is temporary because after the situation returns to normal, they do that in the black market.

If a country announces to stop a traditional game, I think it will not be that easy, but rather a difficult task. Cockfighting is a traditional game in many countries of the world where people bet a lot of money on this cockfighting. However, from my site, cockfighting is definitely a cruel behavior on an animal where the roosters are in a lot of excitement while fighting, and they reach the threshold of death at the last moment, but they continue to fight. Those who have a lot of passion for these birds will certainly claim it is cruel, but I do not support this type of cockfighting. But yes, since it is a cultural tradition, in many countries they still practice it and it is a great game, people are very passionate here, those who bet on it can definitely become addicted here. I think since this game is a traditional game of the Philippines, it may not stop, but people will continue it.

Cockfighting has been popular in Southeast Asia, making it a common form of gambling in the region. It's not about cruelty to animals; rather, it's more about culture—perhaps cockfighting has been around for a long time.

I don't really understand cockfighting, so I've never bet on it. Besides, I feel sorry when I see two roosters fighting until they're covered in blood.
Honestly, I can't bear to watch it.

This will also be difficult to implement, though, especially in a country with poor government authorities and people that difficult to lead. Even if they stop it by law, expect a lot of illegal and unauthorized games still will be played in some areas, just like gambling - even if you try to stop or ban it, there will still be some illegal games.
So, especially this traditional game where most people already practice since then, even which country you are in.

Cockfighting also exists in my country, but only in certain small areas and is very rare because this gambling has received a lot of negative criticism based on norms regarding violence against living creatures. So, this gambling is actually strictly prohibited, but there are still individuals who do it secretly.

Cockfighting gambling very popular in my country since long ago and continues to this day, but it is operated secretly and the venues are difficult to find because it is illegal and punishable by 10 years in prison or a maximum fine of Rp25M/$1500±.
However there is an exception if the cockfight is part of a traditional or religious ceremony and there is no gambling involved. In Bali, there is a tradition called Tabuh Rah (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cockfighting#:~:text=This%20ritual%2C%20a%20form%20of,temple%20festival%20or%20religious%20ceremony), which is permitted.

I don't understand cockfighting... but in my country, this practice is banned, yet many people still engage in it in the middle of the forest or in secluded areas unknown to the police... because many have been arrested due to cockfighting.

Animal lovers... would say this is a cruel act toward animals because in cockfighting, knives are often used on the birds' legs, and the losing bird often dies.

I can't comment further because my country clearly prohibits it.

Complete foolishness, but every region has its own customs and games. For example, in North Africa, there is the 'sheep fight,' where they bring two rams to butt heads against each other, and the winner earns money. and some people even bet on the winner..

https://scontent.falg6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/480444371_660639356390942_7052614196022521831_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_eui2=AeHM70pEaUNq3lS63D7GOOzeHTHl_UUqN6EdMeX9RSo3odNsVlfx6AxtTf-5YVYEgt7-hDzmpAFAFbQiCbKXRW3M&_nc_ohc=txR9Xljg5-sQ7kNvwFRgFLf&_nc_oc=AdngTLwjFQaDISBaxQWSzl8bMXz3z6_IV9u5lepUF9R4LVlK7KDa-xRR1v1vUMwu_EQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.falg6-1.fna&_nc_gid=LVJnFbPstLAEpZoq9MQHqA&oh=00_AfX8eCGcRss57pgOVBc2MnVqvtN3G-c-lZAJa6dLw1c7Eg&oe=68AA32B9

It's not necessary for the fighting cock to die on each match. Many of them live through multiple wins and loses. There are many sort of such fights among the animal kingdom be it bull fighting or as in previous post Ram fighting. We are fascinated with fights and bets, the gladiators fighting was an ancient form of entertainment and gambling embraced by the nation where all of the people participated in the show as well the bet. There are stories that claims gladiators needed to die for its opponent to win but it has been proved wrong and they too fighter many fights before retirement or death.
In modern times, there are many safety precaution to prevent death in human fighting other than that, fights like MMA looks no different from cock fighting. Everyone enjoys and bets on MMA.

I think someone should intervene, these events are pure evil towards animals and those who organize them and those who bet on them are simply bad people, this thing must change immediately and I hope that someone takes action to stop this brutality towards these poor animals.

Chickens are not in the list of endangered specie. There are probably billions of them than the population of humans in the world, they are being slaughtered everyday for our food on the table. They are however for some people are fun to watch fighting and its a game like boxing or MMA.

Just like the dog fight in other countries, its a sports to watch and the better the dog, the more fans like it.

There are certain things we consider as taboo or strange but might have some meaning and as I said it cold find out the superior cock and use it for breeding purpose and the same one goes for bull fighting which is more cruel because where bull and the players are put in risk but it is one of the famour sport in both spam and Mexico and it's completely legal even though government tried banning it their court overturned the ban with the reason of 'cultural heritage' which is why as an outsider I can't take any side so just the neutral stance in this matter.

Never been interested in this sport because of the nature of it, I don't know if it makes any sense to stake your money on two animals fighting till one dies. A lot of people derive pleasure in watching this and gambling on it but personally I think its boring and a little demented. It's a strange thing to enjoy such sports but then, everyone has the right to do what they enjoy. But I think this is forbidden in some countries

People who enjoy watching animals fight are heartless. As for those who place bets on these birds or animals, including the organizers of these matches; they are evil. Animal cruelty should be prohibited

It seems cruel to animals, but without us realizing it, it's not the cockfighting that's more cruel, so what about the boxing matches in the ring? Many people think that cockfighting is very immoral because it tortures animals, and even boxing matches can result in death, right?

Whether cock or bull fighting, it's pure cruelty to animals. Humans who complained of slave trade and how badly those who were sold into slavery were treated shouldn't see any form of fun in watching animals fight for their own amusement and entertainment. Whether for gambling or not, it's appalling to say the least. It was the same heartless thing slave masters did or as some individuals do till date to those they perceive to be inferior to them under racial, ethnic or religious perceived superiority.

An accident happens, which is the major reason behind the death of a boxer.  The difference is that, in cockfighting, the intention of the game is to kill the other party, while in boxing, it is to dominate the fight.  There is a huge difference between killing the opponent and dominating the opponent.  Besides, just see how the fighter is geared.  In cockfighting, roosters are geared with blades, while in boxing, they wear gloves to minimize the force of impact to lessen fatality of the punches.  If we put cockfighting in the same scenario, saying it is a boxing match, a boxer will be equipped with blades instead of gloves and you can imagine the rest. Did you see the difference?

I don't deny at all that cockfighting is cruel, and it is indeed cruel, but what I think is that 1 human life cannot be replaced by 1000 chickens, that's what's on my mind, maybe because I don't like boxing matches, because of the violent scenes that's why I think that way, because chickens can be easily farmed unlike humans

It's better to bet into those racing bets than to these games that includes blood going out and shred from each other.
While in boxing, it's not about the intent to kill because in cockfighting, there is the intention to kill the opponent and the ones who starts it.
Despite the nature of these fighting roosters that they'll have to fight others for the sake of gambling, this is why many are against into it.

That is right, there is no need for one's life to be taken in the races games. The winners will just be fine and the same as the losing animals.

Cockfighting is pretty messed up. There are practices like including razors that I actually don’t know how people can sleep at night after being involved. When I was younger I thought a fish fighting ring would be cool, but I wasn’t going to give them weapons and they don’t feel pain. Now that I’m older though, I don’t think any living creature should be used for entertainment against their will.

Cockfighting is for sure a complex issues, bringing two different cultural practices entertainment and the welfare concern for the animals. Though cockfighting  has some cultural significance, which are historical roots, traditional practice and community engagement, but it is proper not to forget the concerns, like animal cruelty, the potential for exploitation, it's effect on gambler and onlookers.
Yet this perspective can be balanced, by having respect for cultural heritage, consider the welfare for the animals and plan for reforms.

I wouldn’t want to compare them both, seriously. I think there is a huge difference between boxing, kickboxing or any other form of humans having to fight in the ring for entertainment. This is largely due to the fact that, these guys gets something out of these fights. They are paid for it, they’ve got a fan base, a platform where they make money from the engagements.

For the cocks, there is nothing in it for them, just cruelty and that sums it for the cocks.

Some of my relatives are into cockfighting. They also breed and sell cock to their friends. They are not just a gambler but through selling, they're making money out of it.

Anyway, I grew up knowing cockfighting as legal to our country. Using animals in gambling are not really enjoyable for me especially if one has to die for the opponent to win. But cockfighting is already a tradition and since it is legal, I don't think it will be stop anytime soon.

Most countries which I know about, cockfighting have been banned in them because they see cockfighting as unacceptable practice. I don’t also like the idea of cockfighting, it’s completely rubbish to me, you don’t have to make two animals fight if you want to gamble. In my country fighting with Animal’s is banned, because they don’t only involve themselves in cockfighting alone, during festive season, some people do end up fighting with Rams, which at the end, some of those animals do end up dead, and some are going to be critically injured.

So anyone found involving themselves in this kind of activity are always arrested in my country, and they are always properly punished here in my country. If you want to gamble, then we have online gambling platforms, and we have physical gambling platforms, you can make use of them, but you don’t have to use animals.

Cockfighting has been around for a long time, especially in several Asian countries. However, this type of gambling is clearly not recommended today. Besides attracting large crowds, this type of gambling is extremely torturous for the animals, even leading to their death. Those involved in cockfighting gambling should be given criminal penalties, as this type of gambling can create a disturbance and also intentionally cause the death of the animals, which are often displayed in public.

This is serious, even though they place a bet on them. However, things are really happening in some countries you can imagine the confident that people have on this rams. Honestly, this is quite annoying to me because I have never seen such thing in my country, although just like as you mentioned that is how it goes because we all have different ways we do things, so is quite a normal thing that we can never change.

You're lucky if you're in a country that don't have these kinds of events and betting.

Because some countries value this as part of their tradition even if it's so gross to the eyes of others that are not into it.

We respect their tradition but putting it in the line of the bookies could make the feelings worse for those that find it gross.

I didn't even know that was a thing, honestly. But considering there are folks willing to bet on people punching one another until unconsciousness, then it makes sense they would also bet on ram battling each other. Though, I must ask: those male sheep fight untill one of them get hurt or die to its injuries? Because that's a determining factor to know how much animal suffering is related to betting/gambling.

At this point, and after seeing that picture you shared, I would feel more comfortable betting on robot fights.

There are people who derives pleasures seeing cock fighting each others and they see it's as fun. Even if they are having fun with it, there should be a sets of limitations while these fights are going on, even human do have control and go for a rest while fighting but I do not see that happening direct with cockfights which I think there should be section where they fight and rest a bit maybe continue again just to make them have free space and resting time to relief some pains. Of course it would be fine is that type of gambling is being scrapped out because I do  not see anything attractive to this type of gambling.

Because you dont see them in your country dont mean its a bad sports. These rams are trained rams, and they are being treated more dearly when they leave the rings. There are other annoying things people do in your country, as culture but you cant say this is annoying because it seems entertaining. At least its better than killing them rams for nothing.

What doesn't make sensw to you could be sensible to another person same thing goes to our culture and tradition, there are so many things that people enjoy in their culture that others detest but you should not condem people for what they enjoy especially when they have been doing it for a long time. Cock fighting, butt fighting and other things are what people consider as fun and source of income to them even when we don't like it we should learn to respect their decisions and likeness. Imagine people Money legitimately when two cocks or butt fights each other it's sounds crazy but money is involved so it's fun.

I disagree. In boxing fighters fight voluntarily, and they are getting paid  — what's there for chickens to gain? While there are cases where fighters have died, but usually death is not guaranteed (sport would be stopped if it was so) while here it is to chicken, even winner chicken must be slaughtered after win, I assume?

Regarding gloves, I searched what are they there for, but I got mixed opinions, but doesn't look like they are used as weapon, and deffo you can't say, they are equal to blades.

The chickens gains food, supplement and medical treatment. :D

Nope, not all chickens who who the fight will be slaughtered, however slaughtered is better than cockfighting because the chicken won't suffer. I'm sure human is also like that, if there are two choices either suffering incurable disease or instant death, people would choose instant death.

Cockfighting can't be compared to any sport including power slap, they're not fighting until one of them death.

My thoughts on this don't matter. Because cockfighting didn't just start today in that location.

And will it end because we bastardize it? No. We aren't the only ones who say it is bad; there are others like us too. But it still thrives and continues to do so in some places in those locations, and it is widely accepted by the people and some government officials.

Nothing is going to change.

All chickens are meant to be slaughtered in the end. It's just there are some type of chickens that has fighting capabilities that human thought of a way to make them fight and gain profit out of it.

It's true that those chickens didn't choose to be put in a cockfight so it's those people who loves doing it should be put the blame. The government won't bother to stop it since they get tax from cockfighting.

The government gets taxes and the common people enjoy watching the fight. But such a game platform should not be created for gambling because those animals do not want to fight on their own and they are forced to fight. People enjoy watching that fight, on the other hand, those animals are being tortured there.

I think the governments cannot stop it, but if the common people observe the matter very deeply and take decisions, then only those animals will be freed from such games. Since there are many alternatives to gambling, it is better not to use such games.

It's an abominable thing, and it's a third world thing, these things are simply madness from backward and cultureless countries, these fights are not normal or pleasant things to see, it's simply madness, and there's nothing funny about it.

Absolutely terrible entertainment is the one where you bet on animals fighting, because it is both a disgusting spectacle and a pointless activity in itself. I don't want to hear that this is a cultural heritage of our ancestors and requires respect, because it is violence against animals that cannot defend themselves, and therefore it is unfair to them.
This is a very bad example for children. I would never understand if I saw a father taking his child to such entertainment.

Cockfighting is not very popular in our country. Even in some regional areas, cockfighting is still held, but it is not competitive on a large scale. Since there is no betting option for this cockfighting competition in gambling, it is no longer popular worldwide. Again, cockfighting and bullfighting are considered cruel and inhumane to animals under the Animal Protection Act, and have been banned outright in various countries. Due to which, cockfighting and bullfighting have lost popularity over time.

Its funny when I see you guys talk about harm caused to these animals. You are obviously a hypocrite if we keep thinking this way. Because the same animal you care so much about is the same you go to the supermarket to buy as meat. Basically you do buy them alive, kill them and eat them in your houses. Can we leave the discussion that has to do with sympathy and focus more on the fun and entertainment from watching these animals fight. Aftercall the injuries they get is not so severe because its coming from their fellow specie.

If two grown men want to bash the fuck out of each other and get into a ring willingly together - knowing all the risks involved, then that is completely acceptable. However to find any sort of competition of excitement out of two living animals decked up with deadly weapons that are scared and forced to fight each other to the death, with both likely covered in blood and receiving critical injuries, then you are a bit sick in the head. We have come a long time since the Spanish conquest and there are plenty of other normal forms of entertainment that do not involve such unnecessary brutality, along with plenty of other sports that you can bet on in place of this. There is simply no justification for it these days and you are honestly a bit psycho if you think betting on this is ok.

Personally,I don't like violence,so watching animals engage in such acruel form of sport activity that'll often lead to death and severe damages feels unfair to me.Although,in some countries it's prohibited because of animal welfare policies and laws, it's got several ethical controversies which has people to strongly oppose it.

It is funny when we see people justify the cruelty to animals by integrating the idea of hypocrisy about eating meat.  As we see, there are lots of differences between harming animals by means of entertainment and butchering them for survival.  Anyone can push the idea of farming animals for food, and raising them for a death match entertainment is the same thing but they are not.  One is to sustain nutrients needed by people, while the other is to sustain the excitement felt from seeing two animals fight to the death.  There is a huge difference between needs and distorted desire.

People are actually using Rams to fight against each other for an entertainment purpose, but this is no more common as before, as many things have developed and also changed, but the sad aspect of this is from the way we make use of this animals in fighting each other, which is not polite enough, I've witnessed a situation were by the rams are fighting and as they nod each other, one died immediately, because of the level it was being hitter by the other one.

We use to have to competition during some local festivals in my country and most times those animals get injured or even killed since there is no much regulation in this animal game's most time their are allowed to fight till death which is something that I don't fancy in that games, but overall we have to build some level of resistance and awareness as a see that this type of game is becoming popular right now in the northern part of my country.

Honestly, aside from all the animal activists and stuff I would imagine cock fighting would be Hella fun to watch and bet on with your boys hahaha. As much as I hate to say that I Honestly think it would be incredibly entertaining at least until it became sickening and im sure there is a point when it becomes very intense and probably too much to watch.

Yeah it's cruel but if it's setting the cruelty aside it's not that different on other gamble you bet into. I'm a gambler myself with this and it's just a year or so that I've been into this and got some fighting cocks in my backyard but they are raised to have longer years before they are actually fight in the cockpit. Yeah people will not agree but it's like embedded in the roots of people here and government has no way to end it or not just yet.

you know it is not just disgusting entertainment, it is also a human & animal rights epidemic. in here usa it is outlawed  & banned almost all state, as well as spectators & sharp equipment are criminalized & it is also a federal crime to take children below the age of 16 to these fights. I've seen some places in France, where some regional exceptions are accepted but new arenas are strictly prohibited. The inclusion of kids can be traumatizing to them.
https://www.talkimg.com/images/2025/08/21/UZMBKq.png
https://www.expressnews.com/opinion/commentary/article/decriminalize-cockfighting-texas-19993471.php
Texas Sheriffs Association denounced its psychological effects and tied it to violent crime, demanding stricter legislation. Hence, it is not about heritage or cultural tolerance but it is inhumane, against the law and child protection in one bad package.

This is a merciless thing and it will surely make many people discuss it, I think it's absurd how people take pleasure in all this, especially because these animals die or are exploited until they are exhausted which doesn't make it fun. in fact it makes everything disgusting

This type of betting is completely absurd, it's practically animal torture,  and I abhor it with all my strength. The organizers of this event should be criminally punished.

If you want to bet, there are plenty of more entertaining games at any self-respecting casino. Leave the animals alone!

Cock fighting was something we watched as a kid and did find a little delight in it, but I never thought of it as something we would instigate ourselves and even go as far as bet on it, if we saw it happening naturally we’d all watch and even sometimes separate them because we have seen some of them fight to the extent that one of them was badly injured so when we see a natural fight ensuing we’d try as much as possible to monitor and the moment it gets out of hand, we’d keep them apart from each other.

So for me, cock fighting is a no go area for me, I don’t like the idea of people causing the fight to happen or putting cocks together so they could fight and probably injured themselves - they don’t have any thinking ability to prevent such fighting so I don’t think it’s good for them.

Then that speaks that you're a certified cockfighting bettor and as well as a cockfighting raiser. I think that you've invested a lot on it because they're not cheap to buy and raise them in your backyard.

I'm not sure but there are raises on it that are quality and that's why most of the owners are taking it seriously because of knowing the value of their cockfighting roosters.

If government tries to ban it, the community will raise about cultural differences and they're not respecting it.

It's hard for you to accept this because you're not a Filipino. For the inhabitants of this country, sabong is part of the traditional culture, just as bullfighting is for the inhabitants of Spain, where the ultimate goal is to kill a bull.

It's an irritating and not a sight to behold for a lot of people...but a lot of gamblers dont consider this to be a big deal because they are just animals at that end of the day...in your country it's a culture and in other countries it might be against their culture...theree are countries that believe in preserving animals, this kind of game would be a violation to the rules and standards that they abide to in that country

If cockfighting were universally accepted, it would be popular in many parts of the world, but cockfighting still takes place in very few places in the world. Punitive measures must be taken against them. Cruelty to animals is never acceptable, and disciplinary action should be taken against those who organize cockfighting, and against casinos and gambling sites that arrange bets on cockfighting.

I don't have much experience with cockfighting because I have never seen a cockfight, but when I hear from our ancestors, they say that they saw cockfighting and that cockfighting was also popular in our country. Maybe cockfighting was popular in our country during the time of our ancestors, which is why they were very addicted and they used to hold cockfights season after season, but nowadays cockfighting is no longer seen, maybe this cockfighting game has been lost in the crowd of different games.

Although the game seems interesting, I still say that such a game should not be organized here by two animals who are ignorant because I have heard that it becomes bloody. I have also heard from my ancestors that when a cockfight starts, no rooster wants to lose, even if it becomes bloody, in some places it is heard that it can even die, so it is better not to organize all these games, no matter how much fun there is here. Because one should show love to ignorant animals and birds.

It's not that many people say it, it's because it literally is cruel to animals. Even if animals would attack each other in nature, in this case aren't given a choice to exit. There's no consent, because if there was, they probably wouldn't fight as fiercely.
 
Any inhumane and cruel can be "thrilling" and addictive, especially for people who have low empathy skills. Public executions were a big thrill back in days as well and part of the culture. If there's a will there's a way to quit it.

Very serious, especially in a bullfight where two bulls are so injured that their deaths are inevitable. Bullfighting may have been seen in the past, but now it may be seen in some regional areas, but it has been banned by a government. Cockfighting, like bullfighting, is a brutal sport, and when two roosters compete, they injure each other, resulting in death. Although we enjoy these sports for the temporary pleasure, in reality they are cruel to our animals.

Just my thought, how can you be genuinely passionate when you are seeing another bird is killed just for your bet to be profitable? You know I understand your love for cockfighting, but the fact that we are seeing a blood sport that would encourage another cock to fight to death, for me that’s extremely animal cruelty. We can still enjoy seeing a fight without flowing blood on the court, which is for me more comfortable to bet compared to cockfighting.

Cockfighting is quite popular, especially in Asia, where it is deeply intertwined with tradition and culture. Despite widespread criticism, not only for gambling but also for animal cruelty, cockfighting remains a popular form of gambling, and online betting is now even available. I enjoy betting, but not for animal cruelty. It's quite difficult to quit cockfighting completely. And if we don't like cockfighting, we can at least avoid betting on it online and offline. This is a small step towards preventing cockfighting from growing, and cockfighting persists because there are people betting. In reality, they simply use tradition and culture as a bulwark to keep cockfighting going.

Part of the passion also comes from the process of breeding and training ones roosters to fight, by the way. I know that because I have had family members who had been pretty involved within the world of cockfighting, and they took training of their animals very seriously, it may also have to do with the fact owners of the roosters usually get the most profit with the animal manage to become an actual champion and defeats several cocks in a good streak.
If one manages to successfully breed, raise and train them, one could easily get several thousands of dollars out a single rooster, it is a passion and also a very profitable business.

I can somehow relate to this bet given that I was raised in this kind of household.

Just a quick backstory, my grandfather used to own a farm where they exclusively and primarily raise chickens for fighting. We would often visit that farm and see my father training those chickens inside a mini-ring they constructed on the middle of the farm. I also remember vividly that my father used to bring the whole family into stadiums where he would participate and bring at least five (5) chickens with him.

The question is- do I find it cruel? I would answer in the affirmative given that we are using the life of an animal primarily for our bets. Like we all know, there are dozens of way to bet (e.g. cards, slots, sports, etc.) and we could play those games instead of subjecting chickens to fight for their deaths.

Well, thank goodness you mentioned having passion for the birds fighting, i honestly do not find anything thrilling about cockfighting, though I've never watch any of such match live before aside from the fact that I usually do see some cocks come at each other here in my compound and even on the streets, but here in Nigeria, I do not think there is any such thing as cockfighting match existing any where or in any parts of the country.

But all the same, I am happy that you guys in Philippines enjoy this as a game, that is, loving to watch cocks fight each other while you guys even bet on which of this cocks is likely to win the fighting match.
Maybe I would have loved and find find this type of game thrilling to watch if I was from Philippines and have gotten used to seeing this all the time, but unfortunately I am not, and the first time I watch a cockfighting match on YouTube, I disliked it and have returned to watch such again, I find it rather gross to watch cocks tear each other simply for entertainment.

I completely agree with you because this type of betting is completely absurd. Cockfighting is not actually a sport, it is a form of animal cruelty. And I do not support participating in this type of betting at all. I have never participated in this type of sport and I have not received much for playing and betting on this type of cockfighting on casino platforms. However, it is fair to say that if the organizers of this event are severely punished, maybe many will fear their punishment and this type of cockfighting will stop torturing animals. There are many sports for betting, so it is better not to indulge in questionable torture by participating in this type of cockfighting betting.

Did you not see blades up their legs?


Meat is not a need, you deffo don't need it for survival; vegetarian communities exist and they live fine (I was going to mention veganism too, but not completely sure of this diet yet).

From the past to the present, cockfighting has always been a popular activity among people in my country, even though it is actually banned by the government. They usually do it in secret and not openly. I don't know for sure how profitable they are, but considering its continued existence and widespread practice, I suspect it still represents significant profits. I have also often encountered this type of gambling on several Asian online casino sites, but as far as I can remember, I've never been interested in watching or betting on it. While it may be interesting to you, I personally find this kind of animal fights unattractive, especially those involving death. I find it better to watch boxing or UFC matches, as they still have some important rules to avoid danger, especially death.

If it's banned in your country and people are still doing it secretly, why can't the government get to them and make them serve the punishment that is supposed to be given to them so that others can learn? This activity is not even to watch livestocks kill themselves in battle all for the sake of betting and making money, that's bad.

For those who involved to this gambling game they will very enjoyed the process how to make tough rooster and before fight usually those roosters will have special treatment and it took weeks or months to training before the rooster ready for the fight these conditions too makes them really enjoyed the process and usually they will be so proud if their rooster won the game especially big game with huge money of bet

People can earn money not only from the bets itself and there are several way to earn money such as sell their rooster because usually the rooster who can able to win several times or even undefeated has high prices and in dollar one of undefeated rooster value can be to thousand dollar if they want to sel so it could be a profitable business 

In my opinion, cockfights are really incredibly cruel to animals and are a disgusting spectacle. But the most important thing is that they corrupt human morality. After all, it is legalized murder and mutilation, even if we are talking only about roosters. You know, I read about millionaires who amused themselves by organizing fights of homeless people. We can also remember the ancient risky organizers of gladiator fights. There, gladiators fought criminals, wild animals. In addition, the organizers pitted many wild animals against each other, trying to create bloody scenes that would tickle the nerves of spectators. Fortunately, we do not see gladiator fights now, since moral progress does exist. I hope that cockfights will also become a thing of the past someday.

That's really true though, it's not really a pleasant thing to watch because it's actually disgusting. But just one thing, I hope you remember that it's the same animals you also consume and you have to kill them first, or if you don't perhaps you are a vegetarian...The games need to be banned that's true but I don't think it's that deep because these animals especially cocks were meant for consumption

I don't know for sure, but there are two possibilities, the first is that the executant of cockfighting gambling may be very adept at hiding their activities, and the second is that they may have some sort of protection from government or we can say "a person who indulges in hypocrisy", in my local language is "Oknum" . Well, I don't know exactly what happened, but I think I am more inclined to believe the second possibility. By the way, this kind of thing has actually been discussed in various local media. If you follow news related to my country, especially regarding gambling, perhaps you will understand what is happening in the government system in here.

I've said it earlier on that "Someone who love to watch clocks fight could one day develop interest in watching humans fight themselves to death" it promotes violence regardless that it's done with animals so I don't see any reason to develop interest in it. Here in this clip (https://youtu.be/hhFqKMLmVmc?si=XhtTfexmlEN1fyBp) a spectators of a cock fighting show said that he doesn't understand why people hate cock fighting but want to do abortion, well both are not good acts so I won't support any, what got me interested was when he further said that "his cocks are like his children" I was shock cause if he could watch cocks fight themselves to death that means he could do same to his biological children since he's comparing them with the cocks.

The animal games I usually see on television is the horse racing but for another animal fighting each other is what i really don't no because it will be far aggressive than even cockfighting games because cock doesn't pose any serious challenges on someone but animals are definitely the opposite of that because they could leave were they are fighting to attack a human, any animal that is able to fight another could actually be very aggressive to people, I have seen animal on a tight spot with humans, although I don't think it was for gambling because it looks more of traditional way of celebration.

Cock fight may not be interesting to you because it is not part of your culture but don't see it as a disgusting thing to watch because what you don't like may be what others love to watch and you can't go against what they love to watch as it is part of their culture. If there are people that should complain about cock fighting it should be the people who enjoy watching it I their country and their government should do that instead of us to discourage the people who love it and uses it to gamble.

If we look at it, there's like the side of animal cruelty in this type of gambling. However, some countries are not banning this particular game because of its traditional culture and has been a part of the country's culture so to speak. Hence, it is like they can't just eradicate this side of culture. Unless, they will totally ban any type of gambling in their country, this game won't be an exception. But look at some countries, gambling is prohibited but betting on horse racing is not. You can already see the irony on this situation.

This game is popular among people in Southeast Asia. So, it's not just in your country, our country (Indonesia) also has similar tradition of this gambling type. I agree with you that this game is truly fascinating, as there's no system involved, 100% gambling. However, we also need to consider the other side about how the roosters are raised solely to kill each other. Some small gambling platforms in our country still integrate this gambling form, but from what I've seen, there's not much interest. People here prefer to play slots ;D.

I understand your point since you're not used to watching this kind of activity. But for us who are already accustomed to this kind of gambling, we no longer see the cruelty toward the animals. It's probably similar to the cruelty experienced by elephants in circuses, since performing there isn't really their will either.

I think it's a complex issue.

Personally, I don't follow any kind of animal betting, so not sure how bad it can get.

But if you think about it, it clearly will mean that animals are suffering for the benefit of some people. Yet, we do this in other industries as well and it is seen as fine.

I can compare this to doping for example, where the sports decided to make ingestion of certain substances illegal because they might end up detrimental to the health of the players. In a way I think this line of thinking can be applied here, but of course doping and animal fighting still occurs.

Yes, although this game is popular among people in Southeast Asia, I have also heard that this cockfighting game is also organized in Indonesia. Moreover, I have also heard that this game is still played in some regions of our Bangladesh, but although this game is organized in our Bangladesh, this game is not offered on any casino platform and I have not seen cockfighting on any casino platform till date. However, in all the casino platforms where cockfighting is played, I think there is 100% pure no fraud here because there is no fraud business between animals.

There's lots of things that are banned but still going and government can't do anything about that. So, it's not that surprising. But cockfighting is disgusting by itself and people engaged in it are usually not that great either. We inherited from the past like many other horrid things and we should get rid of it as soon as possible.

Some things ain't meant to serve as entertainment at the detriment of their survival even if it's such an archaic tradition that needs to be pulled out. Andi don't think I find it exciting cockfighting cause it's more than cruel to animals. I think people just find fun in seeing the end  to something for their gains  and to me I think it's one of the things that are mant to be banned in that country due to the high negative impacts on the individual and animals.

Sabong or Cockfight is originally from Spaniards and Filipino adopt this one, It is legal in the Philippines and we have cockpit arena here where you can bet with other people.
what illegal is the online betting of sabong, that is prohibited of the government as it has no licence and not legal.

Those Cock and roster were raised and trained to fight other roster, they were breed to be brave and good in fighting.
I agree to that, People kill animals to live, kill to eat. Sabong is not good with animal cruelty on this.

This is a inherited trait of Filipino from Spaniard.

Yes, who inherited what, I don't think it's important, but here we're talking about the lives of these roosters who unfortunately die during these fights. I've heard stories that the breeders who then make these roosters fight use razor blades to do more damage to the opponent, and that's definitely in bad taste.

I've never actually seen a cockfight. I think it's really adrenaline-filled and I might enjoy it. I don't like violence, but I think it's compelling.
Let's remember that violent encounters have always appealed to mankind, from Roman times with gladiators to the present day with martial arts, boxing, and MMA.
I don't think it's strictly related to addiction; gambling in general is addictive, so cockfights are just one of the many bets you can place.

A lot of places here in our country have events called "Sabong," or cockfighting. This type of gambling is common in the provinces, as many gamblers don't have other forms
of entertainment besides cockfighting.

Some wealthy people here even breed fighting cocks. They raise them and feed them expensive feeds to prepare them for a fight when they're older.
What they do is sell the fighting rooster for a high price.

There is a very big difference between Rooster fights and MMA fights (or any other fights that take place in a closed arena, like boxing).The thing is that cockfights are held by their organizers and they force the roosters to fight each other. Although these are animals that need to fight only to find out who is the best male for the hens.
I want to say that Roosters are just animals, they have no will of their own and are made by people to fight. While MMA fighters go to the ring of their own free will to earn money or get fame.

You hit the nail right on the head, there are not consents taken for these cockfights from cock... lol; humans just breed these roosters, force them, stab them with knives and make them to kill each other in the name of enjoyment. That is just sheer exploitation,, feeling really sad.. :'(

MMA fighters just choose to be there in the cage, train hard for it & volunteer for that adrenaline with no dark spurs or backstage betting. so, your point is not weak by any means, on one side there is just cruelty whereas the other is a combative sport driven by competence & consent, so it does not have that emotion of suffering.

Cockfighting is quite common in our country, in fact, some even consider it the national sport after basketball. While there are concerns about animal welfare surrounding the practice, many breeders find it thrilling, especially when the roosters they've raised end up winning matches. There are also breeders who focus solely on raising birds for commercial purposes. They rarely participate in the fights themselves but instead sell their roosters as part of their business.

No they weren't, humans aren't carnivores. Sure, they are omnivores, but you don't necessarily have to eat meat.

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By the way, everybody, am I the only one, who thought, dicks fighting when they read the term 'cockfighting'? Like imagine, two dicks swinging wildly against each other and whoever blows loads up the first time, they lose the game.

I am late to mention this, although this thought crossed the first time I read the title.

It's not easy to balance tradition vs rights protection. I believe that if a tradition harms living beings and it is not done to obtain food, clothing etc., it should be outlawed.
If it's very popular, then some kind of phasing out and thinking of what to replace it makes sense, so that the ban is not too sudden.

That type of betting was very popular in Colombia, in fact years ago there was a soap opera on TV called "La Caponera" and it was basically about cockfights and how two guys with a lot of money fought like crazy over a woman, but it had its share of comedy and good stuff, however I have never seen a cockfight, and honestly I wouldn't want to see one either.