Jueteng (pronounced wet-ting) is an illegal numbers game played by many in the Philippines and which was brought to notoriety during the impeachment proceedings [aka Jueteng-gate] of deposed and former-Philippine President Joseph Estrada during early part of the 21st-century. Although illegal, it is a widely popular game with participation that crosses most, if not all social and economic boundaries, and of which is played by rich and poor alike. With high odds, and no minimum or maximum bet limit the lure of quick riches, or a lucrative payout is it's strong appeal.
The game heavily relies on a large number of wagerers, and there is no limit to the amount of the bet(s). Usually the gambler selects two numbers from 1 through 1369, conversely 37 multiplied by 37, and the winner is the one who selects the correct pair of numbers from the numbered balls drawn - Unlike the numbers game in the U.S., during the early part of the 20-century, where the last digit of the winning pay out, or horse number for three consecutive races determined the winning combination.
Although much has been done to curtail or even eradicate this form of un-regulated gambling by government and community leaders, it appears that such efforts to this point have fallen by the wayside due to it's vast popularity, and the poverty which currently challenges the country.
