The Rise of Digital Gambling in Brazil: A Looming Threat to Traditional Lotteries

In Brazil, a seismic shift in gambling behavior is underway as the legalization of digital betting in 2018 is luring more players away from traditional illicit lotteries. This change threatens the very foundations of a lottery long associated with organized crime and cultural significance.

In cities like Rio de Janeiro, personal stories like that of Taiza Carine da Costa highlight this trend. Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Ms. Costa became accustomed to betting on the "jogo do bicho," a popular yet illegal animal lottery. Yet now, after discovering mobile apps offering digital casino games, she has begun favoring platforms like Tigrinho, a Chinese slots-inspired game. Ms. Costa's daily betting on such apps has become a massive financial burden, with losses estimating around $80,000 over just two years.

Concerns about the impact of this gambling frenzy have emerged, particularly regarding the regulation of online betting and the safeguarding of vulnerable communities struggling under financial pressure. As digital gambling continues its rapid growth, it poses a direct challenge to the traditional lotteries historically managed by criminal organizations, indicating a potential shift in the gambling dynamics of Brazil that could redefine its cultural landscape.