A more modern version of Sakla—a Filipino ancient card game—has come to the internet: Online Sakla. Originally played physically during wakes, it has become a fresh online card game that many Filipinos are playing nowadays.

Interestingly, this new online betting game offers something new besides the traditional mechanics of popular card games like poker, baccarat, and blackjack. Here, we look at its evolution and why it is a game, Filipino bettors are dying to play.

History of Sakla

Spain invaded the Philippines in 1565, and along with their invasion, they brought their culture with them, including the Sakla card game. This means the Philippine card game is as old as cockfighting and horse racing.

The Sakla game has been a part of Filipino tradition for centuries. It has a history of being associated as a form of entertainment in funerals but has a deeper purpose why it was held. Operators of the game and the bereaved family share the winnings, which are used to compensate for the lack of funding for the burial.

The Game’s Mechanics

Sakla in the Philippines is a different card game, for it mixes matchmaking elements into its mechanics. It does not use the standard deck of cards but Spanish playing cards inspired by Spanish tarot. It also has its own board where players place their wagers.

In other words, Sakla mechanics feature different suits from the standard card symbols. So, instead of finding hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades, you will have swords (espadas), clubs (bastos), cups (copas), and coins (oros).

Moreover, the Jacks, Horses, and Kings have numbers on their corners.

• Jacks – 10
• Horses – 11
• Kings – 12

The suits are identified depending on the number of breaks in the borders at the narrow ends of the cards.

• Swords – three (3) borders
• Clubs – two (2)
• Cups – one (1)
• Coins – zero (0)

How to Play Sakla

This game has 20 combinations (5 for each suit). To win, players need to guess the right combination. Here are the different combinations:

Sakla’s rules are simple and straightforward. As a player, you have to:

• Betting board: A board with 20 combinations (5 per suit) is used for placing bets.
• Objective: Players bet on the combination they think will appear first.
• Winning combination: Two cards of the same rank and suit appear consecutively when cards are revealed. (e.g., Two and Three of Coins)
• Betting: Players can wager varying amounts on different combinations.
• Maximum bet: The operator sets a limit (“koto”) for each combination.
• Payout: Winning bets are paid at a 1:18 ratio.

Here is an example:

Juan placed a P100 bet on the combination of 4/5k, which the dealer drew. With the payout ratio being 1:18, Juan will earn P1,800.

There are also online sakla tips needed to be successful in the game. These are strategies meant to boost your winning odds. This goes to show that the game does not rely solely on luck but also requires strategic planning, making it a well-rounded virtual casino game.

Emergence of Online Sakla

The online gambling industry has boomed. However, players always look for something new and fresh whenever they visit a betting platform.

Sakla is one game that caught the attention of some gambling operators. The Sakla card game online became a hit as a new mobile betting game in 2021. Pioneered by game developer ZingPlay Studio, the game had its first taste of a digital version, with over 50,000 downloads on the Google Play Store.

However, its popularity was wider than mobile as online casinos began offering their own versions. It even joined live poker, as Live Sakla began attracting a sea of players.

Modern Versions

The traditional card game had two modern versions: the Online Sakla and the Live Sakla. Both follow Sakla’s mechanics, albeit with a few twists.

In Online Sakla, a Random Number Generator (RNG) gives life to the game, picking the winning combination and the corresponding payouts. Live Sakla, on the other hand, offers real-time gaming by having a dealer or operator draw the cards.

The high-earning nature of the game is one reason Sakla has evolved from a simple funeral card game to an in-demand online casino game. However, there is one big problem:

An Illegal Betting Game

Platforms offering the online version of the card game are considered unlicensed. The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) prohibits the dissemination and promotion of Online Sakla and has considered it illegal, just like online sabong. 

Platforms like sakla.live and sakla.com.ph are unregulated. This means that players who choose to support these illegal casinos risk identity fraud, phishing scams, and other cyber crimes.

In 2020, the police have already prohibited Sakla during wakes, implementing the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) one-strike policy against illegal gambling. According to authorities, there will be no compassion when it comes to illegal gambling, especially during funerals, even if it is part of the Filipino culture.

“Pag matigas ay automatic ma-raid ang guidance ko pakiusapan muna, ‘pag hindi, raid,” former NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said.

In Conclusion

Sakla’s modern version shows that traditional games can also have a modern take, even having grabbed the opportunity to offer the application via GCash. Unfortunately, operators have abused it, painting it a bad picture.

Regardless, the digital version of the card game is a good way to preserve a funeral tradition deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. But if you want to find new games to play, gambling on a verified betting platform is the safest way to go. Register here!

Read our previous article here: Unlocking the Thrill: Advantages of Playing Baccarat in India

FAQs about Online Sakla

1. What is Online Sakla?

Online Sakla is a modern digital version of the traditional Filipino card game Sakla, which was historically played during funerals. It has now transitioned to an online betting game accessible to Filipinos through various platforms on the internet.

2. What is the history behind Sakla?

Sakla originated during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in 1565. It has been a part of Filipino tradition for centuries, initially associated with providing entertainment during funerals. The game also served a practical purpose, as winnings were shared between operators and bereaved families to help cover burial expenses.

3. How does Sakla differ from other card games like poker or baccarat?

Sakla incorporates unique mechanics, including the use of Spanish playing cards inspired by tarot and a specialized betting board. Unlike traditional card games, Sakla features combinations based on matching elements rather than standard card suits.

4. What are the basic rules of playing Sakla?

Players must wager on the combination they believe will appear first among the 20 possible combinations. The winning combination consists of two cards of the same rank and suit appearing consecutively. Players can place varying bets on different combinations, with each combination having a designated maximum bet.

5. How are winnings calculated in Sakla?

Winning bets are paid at a ratio of 1:18, meaning if a player bets a certain amount and wins, they will receive 18 times their original wager as the payout.

6. What modern versions of Sakla are available today?

Two modern versions of Sakla exist: Online Sakla and Live Sakla. Online Sakla utilizes a Random Number Generator (RNG) to determine the winning combination and payouts, while Live Sakla offers real-time gaming with a dealer or operator drawing the cards.

7. Why has Online Sakla gained popularity in recent years?

Online Sakla has gained popularity due to the booming online gambling industry and the appeal of offering a unique and traditional Filipino game in a digital format. However, it’s worth noting that Philippine regulatory authorities consider platforms offering Online Sakla unlicensed and illegal.

8. What risks do players face when participating in Online Sakla?

Players who engage in Online Sakla through unlicensed platforms risk identity fraud, phishing scams, and other cyber crimes. These platforms operate outside the regulatory framework established by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), making them potentially unsafe for users.

9. Is Online Sakla legal in the Philippines?

No, Online Sakla is considered illegal by Philippine authorities, similar to online sabong (cockfighting). The dissemination and promotion of Online Sakla by unlicensed platforms are prohibited, and players should exercise caution when engaging in such activities.

10. How can players ensure a safe gambling experience while enjoying traditional games like Sakla?

To ensure a safe gambling experience, players should only participate in activities offered by verified and licensed betting platforms. Engaging in illegal gambling activities not only poses risks to personal safety and security but also undermines efforts to regulate the gambling industry.