Date: January 13, 2025, 05:52h.
Last updated on: January 13, 2025, 05:52h.
Brazil’s emerging online gambling market seems to have achieved what a century of public prosecutors in the country has not been able to accomplish – break the grip of the Mafia-controlled numbers rackets.
Brazilians are increasingly turning away from the once popular but illegal “jogo do bicho” – or “animal game” – in favor of the convenience and larger jackpot opportunities offered by mobile slots and digital sports betting.
Since the legalization of sports betting in 2018, online gambling has seen a surge in popularity in Brazil. With the government now licensing and regulating online casino gaming from January 1st this year, the newly regulated market has the potential to become one of the largest in the world, sparking concerns in Brazil about potential negative social impacts.
However, an unexpected social benefit seems to be the near eradication of a significant Mafia revenue source.
A New Era
Jogo do Bicho has been deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture for a long time. Tickets are still sold on nearly every street corner, with those controlling the game, known as “bicheiros,” deeply involved in bribery, money laundering, and even murder.
The game invites players to bet on combinations of numbers associated with one of 25 different animals. Players often choose their bets based on an animal that they recently dreamt about.
The game was originally created in the late 19th century by “Baron” João Batista Viana Drummond, an Englishman who was granted the concession to run the Rio di Janeiro Zoo.
It started as a promotional tactic to draw visitors. Those who purchased zoo tickets were entered into a raffle, with a real animal “drawn” from behind a curtain at the end of each day.
However, the lottery quickly overshadowed the zoo and spawned imitator games across the city. These games became popular as bicheiros accepted bets of any amount at a time when most Brazilians were quite poor.
Battle for Dominance
Jogo do Bicho was initially outlawed in 1895, but its popularity endured. By the 1970s, gambling kingpins were embroiled in brutal turf wars while bribing politicians, judges, and law enforcement to protect their interests.
At the same time, they endeared themselves to the local population by funding Carnival parades and distributing gifts at Christmas, according to The New York Times.
Rio historian Luiz Antônio Simas, who has authored a book about Jogo do Bicho, told The Times that he believes the days are numbered for this numbers game, which has struggled to retain its base against competition from international online operators.
These operators have made a strategic approach. Their platforms now offer online versions of Jogo do Bicho, along with a plethora of other games that are proving more appealing to Brazilians.