In brief
In recent years, Brazil has seen a surge in online gambling popularity, particularly after its legalization in 2018. Taiza Carine da Costa, a 37-year-old clothing vendor from Rio de Janeiro, has experienced both sides of this shift. As a child, she participated in the “jogo do bicho” or "animal game," a long-standing illegal lottery often linked to organized crime. However, with the introduction of mobile betting apps like "Little Tiger," she now finds herself engrossed in digital slot machines, losing significant amounts of money—around $80,000 over two years.
This digital gambling trend has not only captivated individuals across Brazil but has also raised concerns among authorities about the potential consequences, especially for low-income players who are prone to accruing debt. The increasing popularity of these apps poses a significant threat to the traditional lottery, which has intertwined with Brazil's cultural fabric since its origins in the 1800s. With a fierce debate underway about the future of gambling regulation in Brazil, the implications of this shift are far-reaching, affecting not just individual players but also the very nature of gambling in the country.
