The online casino landscape in the Philippines has experienced significant growth over the years, particularly with the integration of GCash as a popular payment method. This development has made online gaming more accessible nationwide because players can deposit and withdraw funds via the best online casino Philippines GCash.
Interestingly, it’s coming at a time of a surge in the popularity of sports betting, with rugby emerging as a favoured choice for bettors in the Philippines. This isn’t a random occurrence but due to the growing fan base for the sport in the country.
So, out of curiosity, we researched the growing market for rugby betting in the Philippines to learn about its challenges, the technology enabling the boom, and so much more.
How Popular is Rugby in the Philippines?
In a few words, it’s pretty popular because the sport has quickly gained much attention in the country and evolved from a niche sport into a major one. We thank the Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) because they’ve been relentlessly promoting grassroots initiatives and organizing competitive leagues.
Major events like the Asia Rugby Championship and the Asia Rugby Sevens Series have generated considerable attention among Filipino bettors eager to engage with the sport. Local teams such as the Philippine Volcanoes have performed admirably in international contests, bringing further interest to the sport in the country.
Moreover, rugby teams from other countries participate in some of these contests, which means more visibility for the sports in the Philippines, making it more appealing for enthusiasts and bettors.
The Expansion of Sports Betting in the Philippines
Sports betting has advanced significantly in the Philippines as its legal landscape has evolved to accommodate the growing market. Today, online gambling is allowed in most regions, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) regulates and licenses domestic sports operators to ensure a controlled environment for Filipino bettors.
Although basketball, football, and boxing are the most popular sports for betting in the Philippines, a notable shift has occurred. Now, more bettors are turning their attention to niche markets like rugby, which are now as appealing as movie-themed online casino games.
Insights from CasinoPhilippines10 Research
In our bid to dig deep into the rise of rugby betting in the Philippines, we made some key findings:
- A simple majority of the bettors are motivated by the thrill of the experience rather than monetary gains
- Several respondents reported that their interest in rugby increased after they started placing bets on the sport
- Most of the sports bettors prefer using mobile apps or websites to place their wagers
- The excitement surrounding major events such as the Asia Rugby Championship has attracted more bettors
- The demography of rugby bettors in the country mostly consists of individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 years
- Younger bettors are more likely to engage in online betting than the older ones.
Most Popular Rugby Betting Markets in the Philippines
Several markets are capturing the attention of most rugby bettors, and the most common types include:
- Match winner: By default, the match winner bet is the most popular and straightforward option across all sports. It entails wagering on the team that will win the match.
- Point spreads/handicap: This is a bet on the potential margin of victory in a match, and it’s often used to even out the odds between both teams in the fixture.
- Total points: This is a wager on the combined score of both teams, which is reflective of the overall intensity of the match
- First try scorer: This is a bet on who will score the first try in the match. It’s a high-risk market that requires in-depth knowledge of the team’s lineup and players’ form.
- Winning margin: This high-risk market entails wagering on the difference in points between both teams or how much a team will win a match.
With events like the Rugby World Cup, Six Nations Championship, and domestic leagues, there are more than enough matches to go around, fuel for increased betting activities in the country, especially in the peak seasons.
Technology and Accessibility in Rugby Betting
Thanks to mobile apps and online platforms, rugby betting in the Philippines has become more accessible and offers a better user experience. Now, users can easily place wagers on various markets from anywhere at any time.
Live betting has even taken things to another level, as bettors can now place wagers in real-time as the matches unfold. This, coupled with odds updates, keeps bettors informed and engaged.
The payment methods have also helped with popular options such as GCash and Neteller. According to Hiraya Alonto, a professional content maker and senior advisor at Casino10, ‘Neteller is a significant player among the online casino gaming payment pathways. With a simple, secure, and super-fast way of paying for the online gaming you want, Neteller is also a great withdrawal option with almost no limit or withdrawal fees available.’
Challenges Facing Rugby Betting Growth
Despite the rise rugby betting is enjoying in the Philippines, several challenges may affect its growth, including:
- Competition from Popular Sports: Sports like basketball and football still dominate the betting scene, making it hard for rugby to gain as much attention.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Strict betting laws and licensing regulations in the country limit the accessibility of rugby betting for both bettors and platforms.
- Lack of Rugby Knowledge: Many Filipinos are still unfamiliar with rugby’s rules and betting strategies, which hinders their engagement with the sport.
- Market Limitations: Fewer local rugby events and teams result in limited betting opportunities compared to more established sports like boxing, wrestling, football, etc.
Final Thoughts
It’s been quite eye-opening to see how rugby betting has taken off in the Philippines, and we can tell you one thing – this isn’t a fluke. On the contrary, the sport has a growing fan base, and when you combine that with the convenience of online betting, it’s easy to see why it’s gaining prominence in recent years. And that’s not even counting the excitement of live betting, which is like being right there on the field!
We understand that it’s still uncharted territory to a lot of Filipino bettors, but with time, they will get the hang of it and enjoy the full experience of rugby betting.
