Posted: January 13, 2025, 05:52 pm.
Last updated: January 13, 2025, 06:19 pm.
Brazil's new online gambling market appears to have achieved what a century of government prosecutors have failed to do – dismantling the country's mafia-controlled numbers racket.

Brazilians are increasingly rejecting the previously popular but illegal “jogo do bicho” – or “animal game” – for the convenience and big jackpot potential of mobile slots and digital sports betting.
Online gambling has exploded in popularity in Brazil since the legalization of sports betting in 2018. And from January 1 this year, the government has started licensing and regulating online casino gaming.
The newly regulated market has the potential to soon become one of the largest in the world, and has raised concerns about negative social impacts in Brazil.
But an unexpected social benefit appears to be the near-elimination of an important mafia revenue stream.
different animals
Jogo do bicho has long been deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture. Tickets are still sold on almost every street corner, while those controlling the games are known bookmakerFully involved in bribery, money laundering and murder.
The game invites players to bet on combinations of numbers that are associated with one of 25 different animals. Players sometimes choose their bets based on an animal that recently appeared to them in a dream.
The game was created in the late 19th century by João Batista Viana Drummond, an English “baron” who was awarded the concession to operate the Rio de Janeiro Zoo.
It started as a publicity stunt to attract visitors. People who purchased tickets to the zoo were entered into a lottery in which a real animal was “pulled” from behind the curtains at the end of each day.
But the lottery soon became even more popular than the zoo and copycat games sprang up across the city. This game was a big hit because bookmaker At a time when most Brazilians were very poor, bets of any amount were accepted.
turf war
Jogo do bicho was first criminalized in 1895, but its popularity persisted. By the 1970s, gambling bosses were engaged in a bloody war, bribing politicians, judges, and law enforcement to protect their interests.
At the same time, they were buying the affection of the local populace by paying for carnival parades and distributing gifts at Christmas. the new York Times.
Rio historian Luiz Antonio Simas, who has written a book about the Jogo do Bicho, told many times He believes the numbers have increased for this numbers game, which “has not been able to renew its base” due to tough competition from international online operators.
And those operators have done their homework. Their lobby offers online versions of Jogo do Bicho as well as a myriad of other games that are proving more attractive to Brazilians.
Bonus up to:
₹10,000
Welcome Package
* New customers only. can get a 100% match bonus up to ₹10,000 on their first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - 100% bonus on your first deposit up to ₹10000. IQ Pari offers a variety of bonuses and promotions to its Indian customers. These bonuses can help you boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning. However, it is important to read the terms and conditions carefully before claiming any bonus.
Get up to:
100% Bonus
Up to first ₹50,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: bigboost also offers a 50% bonus up to ₹25,000 on 2nd deposit. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Get up to:
100% Bonus
on the first deposit
up to 20,000 INR
* New customers only.
New players only. Register with Megapari and receive a 100% bonus to the maximum amount of 20,000 INR on the first deposit!
Get up to:
200% Bonus
Up to first ₹10,000
* New customers only.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Davegas also offers a 200% bonus up to ₹10,000 for live casino games. This bonus is subject to the same wagering requirement as the slot machine bonus.
Bonus up to:
₹25000
Welcome Package
* 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: 125% match bonus up to ₹25,000 on your first deposit, if you deposit within the first hour of registering. 250 free spins on the slot game Starburst, if you deposit Rs. 15 or more within the first hour of registering
Get up to:
100% bonus up to ₹40,000
You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
New players only. Welcome Bonus - Luckydreams Casino is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players from India. You can claim a 100% bonus up to ₹40,000 on your first deposit, plus 200 wager-free free spins on the popular slot game Book of Dead.
Get up to:
300% Bonus
and 200 Free spin
*New players can get a 300% casino deposit bonus and 200 free spin.
New players only. New players can get a 300% matched deposit bonus and 200 free spin. Welcome Offer for Gaming Casino - 100% 1st Deposit Bonus + 50 Free Spins and 200% Casino Bonus on 2nd Deposit.
Get up to:
300% bonus up to ₹372,000
You can claim a 300% bonus up to ₹372,000 on your first deposit. Deposit a min of ₹ 1,150 and get a bonus.
New players only. Welcome Bonus: Vbet Casino is offering a generous welcome bonus to new players from India. You can claim a 300% bonus up to ₹372,000 on your first deposit. Deposit a minimum of ₹ 1,150 and get a bonus.
Get upto :
100% up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL)
It sounds too good to be true, but it is! Take your special first 100% deposit bonus up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) and increase your profit!
100% up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) It sounds too good to be true, but it is! Take your special first 100% deposit bonus up to ₹25,000 + Freebet ₹100 (on IPL) and increase your profit!
Get up to:
700% Bonus
on the first deposit
up to 40,000 INR
* New customers only.
New players only. Register with 4rabet and receive a 100% bonus to the maximum amount of 5,000 INR on the first deposit!