The Jogo do Bicho is a Brazilian betting game that became very popular in the 1890s. Originally created as a promotional strategy by the Rio de Janeiro Zoo, it quickly expanded and became a deeply rooted cultural practice—albeit illegal. 

The origin of the Jogo do Bicho 

The Jogo do Bicho was born in 1892 in Rio de Janeiro, then Brazil’s capital, as a marketing strategy devised by João Batista Viana Drummond, an entrepreneur and Baron of Drummond. Facing financial difficulties at the Vila Isabel Zoo, Drummond introduced a daily lottery based on animals to attract visitors. 

The concept was simple: with each zoo ticket, visitors received a numbered slip with an image of one of 25 animals. At the end of the day, an animal was drawn, and the ticket holder with the matching slip won a cash prize. Initially viewed as a harmless entertainment form, the game quickly gained popularity and spread beyond the zoo’s gates. 

Brazil’s socioeconomic context in the late 19th century 

The rise of the Jogo do Bicho coincided with a period of significant transformation in Brazil. The abolition of slavery (1888) and the proclamation of the Republic (1889) brought social changes but also created gaps. In Rio de Janeiro, urbanization and rural-to-urban migration created fertile ground for affordable entertainment accessible to the working class. 

In this context, the Jogo do Bicho gained traction as both a source of entertainment and a chance to earn money during economic instability. 

Expansion and initial legalization 

Although it began as a limited zoo promotion, the game rapidly spread beyond Vila Isabel. Its simplicity and the appeal of animal imagery facilitated its diffusion. Small-scale organizers, known as “bankers,” started running their own lotteries based on the original model, tailoring the game to suit different communities. 

For a time, the game operated without major restrictions, tolerated as harmless fun. However, as it grew, critics—particularly from conservative groups—began associating it with immoral behavior and public disorder. This marked the start of debates on its legality, culminating in its criminalization. 

Criminalization of the Jogo do Bicho 

The Jogo do Bicho’s rapid growth in the early 20th century raised concerns among authorities and conservative sectors of society. In 1941, Brazil’s Penal Code formally criminalized the game under the Misdemeanor Law (Lei das Contravenções Penais). 

The justification for the ban centered on public morality and potential social unrest. Despite this, enforcement largely failed. The game continued informally, sustained by organized networks and widespread community support. 

Rather than disappear, the Jogo do Bicho adapted, creating clandestine operational systems. Its prohibition also exacerbated corruption, with many police officers and politicians accepting bribes to allow its continuation. 

The role of the “banker” in the Jogo do Bicho 

A key factor in the Jogo do Bicho’s survival is its decentralized yet efficient structure, centered on the figure of the “banker.” These individuals manage the betting process, ensure payouts, and maintain the trust of players. 

Prominent bankers established highly organized networks with regional subdivisions, intermediaries (known as cambistas), and security measures to evade law enforcement. Some bankers became influential local figures, even seen as benefactors for funding cultural, sports, and social events in their communities. 

Trust in the banker’s ability to honor payouts is crucial in this clandestine environment, making reputation essential for the game’s success. 

The social impact of the Jogo do Bicho 

The game created a parallel economy, moving millions annually and employing thousands informally, from cambistas to administrators. However, its informality also brought challenges, including links to corruption, money laundering, and, in some cases, associations with other illicit activities—often involving politicians and law enforcement. 

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