Tuesday, February 18th, 2025

Centuries old tradition..which has today become a betting market worth Rs 2000 crores


New Delhi: There was a time when there were no means of entertainment like TV and mobile. At that time, people in villages used to enjoy fighting with their pet chickens among themselves. Neither did the chickens have any sharp weapons on their legs… there was no mutual rivalry nor any trading of money. The purpose is just a little entertainment. This hobby soon became a tradition. But now this hobby has become an illegal ‘business’ which is stained with blood.

Earlier, during Makar Sakranti, people used to come from far and wide to watch cockfights. In the south it is also known as Kodi Pendam. But now the trend has changed. Now people are enjoying this ‘bloody game’ sitting at home in AC rooms and drinking jam on the TV screen. What was once a tradition has now become a betting market worth thousands of crores of rupees. The list of customers of this market includes not only the common man but also IT engineers, businessmen, film stars and many such big names.

Traditional game took online form

The 3-day festival has started in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana from today itself. The government has banned cockfights. The police have also made it clear that this is gambling and also cruelty to animals. Whoever is found involved in this, strict action will be taken against him/her. Despite this, rings have been secretly prepared for this blood sport. It is being claimed that punters have started gathering from far and wide in Godavari and Krishna districts. People from other states are also coming for this.

How does the whole game work?

Cockfighting, which was once considered a traditional sport, has now transformed into a huge online betting market. This fight is live streamed not only in India but also abroad through YouTube, social media and mobile apps. There are many apps through which people are betting on cockfights. Bets worth Rs 10 to 15 lakh are placed on each fight.

It works just like betting on cricket or any other sport. People place money on the cock of their choice before the fight. There is a live stream of the entire fight, which people enjoy. According to an estimate, the illegal market of cockfighting in India has crossed Rs 2000 crore. Special types of cocks are demanded for fights. Fast-moving chickens like Nemali, Abras, Red Eagle and Kakera are in great demand. People spend Rs 50 thousand to Rs 3 lakh for each chicken.

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business running on cryptocurrency

There are strict laws regarding gambling in India. Then how is this game flourishing so much? In fact, many online platforms are operating from foreign countries or are working secretly. Sale of online tickets to watch the fight, sponsorship of chickens are fine, but most of the money is coming from betting. Betting on these fights is done through cryptocurrency. According to an estimate of last year itself, betting worth Rs 150 to 200 crore was done in Godavari district alone.

Tremendous craze not only in India but in many countries

It is not that this bloody game of cock fighting is flourishing only in India. There are many countries around the world where it has become a big illegal market. It is very popular in India, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

  • In the Philippines it is also known as Sabong. It has an old history here. The market here is worth more than Rs 100 crore.
  • Despite being banned in Mexico, it is very popular and has become a market worth crores of dollars.
  • It was banned in Thailand in the 90s. Still, a business of 10 to 20 million dollars is done here every year.
  • This game is also very popular in America, Vietnam, Puerto Rico and Indonesia while hiding from the law.

What is the law in India

Cockfights are banned in India under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, a law brought in 1960 for animal cruelty. In the year 2018, the Supreme Court has also directed the Andhra Pradesh government to stop this. In 2017, Andhra Pradesh had ordered the government to take steps to stop it on Makar Sakranti. Telangana High Court in 2020 and Madras High Court in 2019 have also issued orders regarding this.

what is history

If we examine the history of cockfighting, we find indications of it even in the Indus Valley Civilization. This game was quite popular in China, India and other eastern countries. In Poultry Shastra, more than 50 types of chickens have been mentioned for fighting. There is also mention of his/her special diet.

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