1. Betting zoo.
- Subjects
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LOTTERIES , *NUMBERS games (Gambling) , *RACKETEERING , *GAMBLING , *POLICE corruption , *POOR people , *CORRUPTION , *HISTORY - Abstract
The article focuses on the jogo do bicho numbers game in Brazil. It states the game started in 1888 as a method of increasing business for a zoo in Rio de Janeiro owned by João Batista, Baron of Drummond. It mentions jogo do bicho outlasted the closure of the zoo, prohibition, competition from competing state lotteries and hostility by churchmen. It comments on similarities between jogo do bicho and U.S. numbers rackets including buying off corrupt police and being played by the poor.
- Published
- 2012