Playing at recommended online casinos is a great option for those looking for convenience and a wide variety of games, but it’s important to remember that the Philippines also offers traditional forms of gambling in licensed venues that aren’t always considered “casinos.” These games reflect the rich cultural heritage of Filipino gambling and offer a unique gaming experience. For those looking to explore beyond the classic casino offerings like slots, baccarat, and roulette, here’s a list of Filipino-friendly games that can help you step off the beaten path.

Traditional Filipino Gambling Games

1. Jueteng
   Jueteng is an illegal numbers game with deep roots in Filipino culture, similar to underground lottery games found in many other countries. Despite its illegality, Jueteng has been played since 1907 and remains a part of the gambling landscape. It involves drawing two sets of numbers, and players bet on different number combinations to win. The game’s popularity stems from its simplicity and the small buy-ins, but because it is illegal, playing Jueteng carries significant risks.
2. Baccarat While not uniquely Filipino, baccarat is a card game that enjoys immense popularity in Philippine casinos. The game is played between two hands—the “player” and the “banker”—and gamblers can bet on which hand will win, or if the game will end in a tie. It’s a favorite among high-rollers for its straightforward rules and quick pace, and many Filipino casinos feature baccarat prominently on their gaming floors.
3. Pusoy (Chinese Poker) Pusoy, also known as Chinese Poker, is a traditional card game that’s incredibly popular in the Philippines. Played with a standard 52-card deck, the goal of Pusoy is to create the best possible three poker hands from the 13 cards dealt. It’s similar to poker in its strategic play, but its unique structure offers a fresh challenge to those familiar with traditional poker games. Often played in casual settings, Pusoy can also be found in online and land-based casinos.
4. Tong-its Tong-its is a Filipino card game that’s quite similar to rummy and is commonly played by three players. The objective of the game is to be the first to empty your hand of cards, or to have the fewest points when the central deck runs out. Tong-its requires both strategy and luck, making it an engaging game for both casual players and enthusiasts. It’s often played during family gatherings or informal social settings, though it has also made its way into the online gaming sphere.
5. Mahjong Mahjong is a Chinese tile-based game that is extremely popular in the Philippines, particularly among older generations. The game involves forming sets of tiles based on matching symbols and numbers. While it’s a staple in family gatherings and traditional gaming, Mahjong can also be found in some Filipino casinos. It requires a sharp eye, memory, and strategy, making it a favorite among seasoned gamblers.
6. Hantak Hantak is a traditional Filipino dice game, somewhat similar to craps. Played with three dice, players place bets on the possible outcomes of a dice roll. While not as commonly found in modern casinos, Hantak is still played in rural areas and during fiestas. The simplicity and quick rounds make it a fun and social game, enjoyed by many in informal settings.
7. Cockfighting (Sabong) Sabong, or cockfighting, is one of the most popular forms of gambling in the Philippines and is deeply embedded in the country’s culture. It is legal but highly regulated, only permitted in licensed cockpits on Sundays, holidays, or during local fiestas. The game involves betting on the outcome of a fight between two roosters. Though controversial due to animal welfare concerns, Sabong remains an integral part of Filipino tradition, and its popularity has even led to the rise of online sabong betting.
8. Color Game A staple of Filipino peryas (local carnivals), the Color Game is a simple yet exciting game that’s a favorite during fiestas and town celebrations. Players bet on different colors displayed on a board, and then a set of dice with colored sides is thrown. If the dice land on your chosen color, you win. The Color Game is fun, easy to play, and adds a vibrant element to the carnival atmosphere. Though not typically found in casinos, it is a popular form of entertainment during local festivities.

Conclusion

These traditional games offer a unique alternative to standard casino offerings, providing a rich blend of Filipino culture, excitement, and camaraderie. Whether you’re playing Tong-its with family or placing bets in a licensed Sabong cockpit, Filipino gambling games hold a special place in the hearts of many.

If you’re looking for something different from the classic casino experience, exploring these traditional games could provide a fresh and exciting challenge. However, always make sure to play in licensed venues to ensure a safe and fair experience, particularly with legal games like Sabong and regulated card games.