Breeders exercise their game fowl before their turn in a competition at the Pitmasters compound.
Photographer: Veejay Villafranca/BloombergOnline Cockfighting Wagers Rake in Billions in the Philippines
A game once in decline has found a second wind in the internet age. Big players are now outearning traditional casinos on this island nation.
The roosters stood inches apart, hook-shaped blades strapped to their legs. Cameras surrounded a dirt ring, streaming the fight to thousands of online gamblers huddled over cell phones across the Philippines.
A referee shadowed the animals as they tore out feathers, pounded air and nipped at vulnerable parts of the neck. Less than a minute later, the match was over and a winner declared. The victor squawked over the body of the defeated.