The Digital Revolution Disrupting Brazil's Iconic Lottery

With the boom of online gambling since its 2018 legalization in Brazil, traditional lotteries like "jogo do bicho" face an existential threat. This article explores the rise of mobile betting apps and their impact on gamblers and the criminal networks historically tied to these lotteries.

Taiza Carine da Costa has been captivated by gambling since the tender age of nine. Raised in the impoverished outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Ms. Costa would venture down the street with coins to bet on a long-time favorite, an informal lottery known as “jogo do bicho” — or the animal game. This illegal betting practice has become an indelible part of Brazilian culture, entwined with tradition and crime.

As an adult, Ms. Costa's dedication to daily betting continued. The lure of the game encouraged her to interpret dreams of animals as invitations to participate. “If I dream, I bet,” reflects Ms. Costa, 37, who works as a clothing vendor. However, recent trends have seen her embrace a new form of gambling; she has taken to digital slots, specifically “Tigrinho” or Little Tiger, a popular app that offers the chance to win big rewards.

Since the legalization of digital gambling in 2018, mobile gaming has flourished across Brazil, with players like Ms. Costa finding it more accessible than ever. She plays Little Tiger daily, recognizing that her spending on the app has dramatically increased, with estimated losses around $80,000 over the past two years. “It’s hard to stop,” she admits, illustrating the gripping nature of these online games.

Brazil’s surge in digital gambling is not merely a recreational phenomenon; it has sparked a contentious debate over regulation and the protection of vulnerable communities that often seek fortune in desperation. This rapid expansion threatens the historic foundations of "jogo do bicho," which has strong ties to organized crime and a rich cultural history dating back to the 1800s in Rio de Janeiro.

As online betting continues to alter the gambling landscape in Latin America’s largest nation, the fate of traditional lotteries hangs in the balance, raising critical discussions about morality, responsibility, and the future of betting practices in Brazil.