Jogo do Bicho

<!-- Deleted image removed: -->Jogo do Bicho ("the animal game") is an illegal gambling game in Brazil, prohibited by federal law since 1946. Very popular throughout the country, the "game" is actually a lottery-type drawing operated on a regional basis by mobsters known as contraventores (those that flout the law), bicheiros or banqueiros ("bankers"). Unlike most state-operated lotteries, in Jogo do Bicho you can bet any amount of money, even a cent. Despite its popularity (and being more or less tolerated, especially in Rio de Janeiro), it is still illegal in 25 of the 26 states of Brazil and those involved may be prosecuted. Paraíba is the only state where the game is legal and regulated by the state, even though according to a federal law this activity is prohibited. In other northeastern states the game is tolerated by the government.

The game

The Animals of the Game

The name of the game arises from the association of the drawn numbers with a random selection of 25 animals (to help memorising):

• 1 - Avestruz (Ostrich)
• 2 - Águia (Eagle)
• 3 - Burro (Mule)
• 4 - Borboleta (Butterfly)
• 5 - Cachorro (Dog)
• 6 - Cabra (Goat)
• 7 - Carneiro (Lamb)
• 8 - Camelo (Camel)
• 9 - Cobra (Snake)
• 10 - Coelho (Rabbit)
• 11 - Cavalo (Horse)
• 12 - Elefante (Elephant)
• 13 - Galo (Rooster)
• 14 - Gato (Cat)
• 15 - Jacaré (Caiman)
• 16 - Leão (Lion)
• 17 - Macaco (Monkey)
• 18 - Porco (Pig)
• 19 - Pavão (Peacock)
• 20 - Peru (Turkey)
• 21 - Touro (Bull)
• ......
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