Brazil's traditional illegal lottery "Jogo do Bicho" (Animal Game) is facing unprecedented decline as Brazilians increasingly turn to legal online gambling alternatives.

The newly regulated online gambling market, which launched January 1, has severely impacted this century-old numbers racket that was previously controlled by organized crime groups.

Originally created in the late 19th century by "Baron" João Batista Viana Drummond at the Rio di Janeiro Zoo, Jogo do Bicho lets players bet on numbers associated with 25 different animals. Despite being illegal since 1895, the game became deeply embedded in Brazilian culture, with tickets sold on street corners nationwide.

The game's operators, known as bicheiros, gained significant influence through a combination of violence, bribery, and community manipulation - funding carnival parades and distributing Christmas gifts while engaging in money laundering and turf wars.

However, the convenience and larger jackpots of legal online gambling platforms are proving more attractive to modern players. Licensed operators have even created digital versions of Jogo do Bicho, alongside other popular casino games, effectively modernizing the traditional concept while eliminating its criminal elements.

According to Rio historian Luiz Antônio Simas, the traditional animal lottery has failed to attract younger players, suggesting this marks the end of an era for one of Brazil's longest-running illegal gambling operations. This unexpected benefit of gambling legalization represents a significant victory in Brazil's long-standing battle against organized crime.

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