Brazil's once-dominant illegal gambling operation, "jogo do bicho" (animal game), is facing unprecedented decline due to the rise of legal online gambling. Since Brazil's legalization of sports betting in 2018 and online casino gaming in 2025, players are abandoning street-corner betting for digital alternatives.

The "animal game," deeply rooted in Brazilian culture since the late 19th century, involves betting on numbers associated with 25 different animals. Created by "Baron" João Batista Viana Drummond at the Rio di Janeiro Zoo as a promotional raffle, it evolved into a widespread illegal gambling network controlled by criminal organizations.

Despite being outlawed in 1895, the game thrived for decades under the control of bicheiros (gambling bosses) who maintained their influence through corruption and community manipulation. These operators balanced violent turf wars with public goodwill gestures, such as funding Carnival parades and holiday gift-giving.

The regulated online market offers several advantages over traditional street betting:

• Higher potential jackpots
• Convenient mobile access
• Secure, legal operations
• Diverse gaming options

Notably, online operators have adapted to local preferences by including digital versions of jogo do bicho alongside modern casino games. According to Rio historian Luiz Antônio Simas, the traditional numbers game has failed to attract newer generations, marking a significant shift in Brazil's gambling landscape.

This transition from illegal street gambling to regulated online platforms represents a major victory for law enforcement, effectively diminishing a significant revenue stream for organized crime while creating a safer, regulated environment for Brazilian gamblers.

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