Brazilian administrations betting on the return of gambling

In their search for new sources of revenue, all levels of Brazilian government are pursuing ways to raise tax collection while reducing the size of the state. One such proposal is the legalization of gambling, an idea floated since the beginning of the 2014 economic crisis, and which splits opinions within conservative and liberal segments of the population.

Gambling has been illegal in Brazil since 1946, following a decree from then-President Eurico Gaspar Dutra. The reasons given at the time were that the practice violated “Brazil’s legal and religious moral tradition” and constituted “abuses of morals and good habits.”

Before this, gambling had been legalized in 1920, but suffered from a number of different restrictions depending on the government in power. Nowadays, however, Brazilian law classifies gambling as a criminal offense, including betting on sports events, with the exception of gambling on horse racing within racetrack premises.

One of the main targets of this crackdown on gambling is the so-called “jogo do bicho,” or “animal lottery.” The game consists of a daily draw in which the numbers 0 to 99 are represented by zoo animals, with players’ guesses often involving a hefty dose of symbolism, mysticism, and dreams.

The practice is widespread in Brazil, and while illegal, it can be easily found in cities around the country. There are an estimated 350,000 draws across Brazil, with no state...