7 Traditional Filipino Gambling Games

Gambling has been a part of Filipino culture for centuries, with many traditional games still enjoyed today. While modern casinos and online betting platforms have gained popularity, classic Filipino gambling games remain a staple in social gatherings and local communities.

These games combine skill, luck, and camaraderie, making them an integral part of Filipino heritage. Here are some of the most well-known traditional gambling games in the Philippines.

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Popular Traditional Filipino Gambling Games

1. Pusoy (Chinese Poker)

Pusoy, also known as Chinese Poker, is one of the most widely played card games in the Philippines. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, where each player is dealt 13 cards, which they must arrange into three hands: a five-card back hand (strongest), a five-card middle hand, and a three-card front hand (weakest).

It’s popular among Filipinos because it combines strategy and luck, making it engaging for all players. It’s also often played in social settings, bringing friends and family together. However, if you’re looking for a high-stakes version, you may only do so in underground gambling circles, which we don’t advise engaging in.

2. Tongits

Tongits is a fast-paced, rummy-style card game popular in local Filipino communities. It is usually played by three players, each trying to form sets or runs to reduce the number of cards in hand. The game ends when a player declares “Tongits” by forming valid combinations or when the draw pile runs out.

Why is it among popular traditional Filipino gambling games? This game is simple yet strategic, appealing to casual and seasoned players alike. Plus, it can be played for fun or real money in informal settings.

3. Sakla (Filipino Tarot Gambling)

Sakla is a gambling game that uses tarot-like cards and is commonly played during wakes (lamay) in the Philippines. The game involves a dealer and bettors, with players wagering on different card combinations and outcomes. The origins of Sakla are unclear, but it has become deeply embedded in Filipino gambling traditions.

It’s often associated with funeral wakes, providing entertainment during long vigils. Filipinos also like that it offers a mix of chance and interpretation that adds excitement. Despite its legal restrictions, it’s still prevalent in rural areas.

4. Sabong (Cockfighting)

Sabong, or cockfighting, is one of the oldest and most deeply rooted gambling traditions in the Philippines. It involves two roosters battling in an arena while bettors wager on the outcome. Legal cockpits operate under government regulation, but illegal backyard fights also persist.

This historic gambling tradition dates back centuries and combines skill, breeding expertise, and betting strategies. For that, it has become a significant part of Filipino culture, with dedicated arenas across the country.

5. Cara y Cruz (Heads or Tails)

Cara y Cruz is a simple coin-toss gambling game brought by the Spanish during colonial times. The game involves a three-coin toss, and players bet on whether the majority will land on heads (cara) or tails (cruz). It remains a popular street-side gambling game.

This game is extremely easy to play with minimal rules and is often played during town fiestas and informal gatherings.

6. Hoo Hey How (Filipino Dice Game)

Hoo Hey How is a dice betting game similar to Sic Bo, originating from Chinese immigrants in the Philippines. Players bet on symbols of fish, shrimp, crab, rooster, calabash gourd, and a coin, and winnings depend on the dice roll results.

This game is often seen in fairs, festivals, and gambling houses. For many, this traditional Filipino gambling game is a fun alternative to card-based gambling games.

7. Jueteng (Illegal Numbers Game)

Jueteng is an underground numbers game that remains widespread despite being illegal. Players bet on two-number combinations, and winners are determined through a random draw. The game has been linked to political controversies but remains a favorite among locals.

It remains popular because of its small bet sizes, making it accessible to the masses. It also has quick draws and frequent games to keep players engaged.

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Enjoy Traditional Filipino Gambling Games

Traditional Filipino gambling games continue to thrive in local communities, blending cultural heritage with the thrill of betting. While some, like Pusoy and Tongits, are widely accepted, others, such as Jueteng and Sakla, operate in legal gray areas. Whether played for fun or real money, these games showcase the Filipino spirit of camaraderie and entertainment.