Brazil Clandestine Lottery And The Making Of Urban Public Life Radical

Brazil's clandestine lottery, known as the jogo do bicho, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's urban public life for over a century. Originating in Rio de Janeiro in the late 19th century, the jogo do bicho quickly spread to other major cities, becoming embedded in the social and cultural fabric of Brazilian society. Despite its illegal status, the lottery has flourished as a parallel system of gambling, providing a lifeline to marginalized communities and influencing the political and economic landscape of urban Brazil.

Laws of Chance: Brazil’s Clandestine Lottery and the Making of Urban Public Life (Radical Perspectives)

by Amy Chazkel

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7716 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	494 pages
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The Origins and Evolution of the Jogo do Bicho

The jogo do bicho emerged in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro during a period of rapid urbanization and social unrest. Drawing inspiration from the Italian lottery, local entrepreneurs created a game based on the 25 animals of the zodiac. Participants would place bets on their favorite animal, with the winning number drawn each day based on the results of horse races.

Over time, the jogo do bicho evolved into a highly organized and profitable enterprise, with local bosses, known as bicheiros, controlling the betting networks in specific neighborhoods and regions. The lottery provided a significant source of income for bicheiros, who often redistributed their wealth through local patronage and philanthropic activities. This patronage network played a crucial role in shaping urban politics, with bicheiros wielding considerable influence over local elections and public policies.

The Jogo do Bicho and Urban Public Life

The jogo do bicho has had a profound impact on urban public life in Brazil. As a ubiquitous presence in working-class and marginalized communities, the lottery has fostered a sense of communal identity and solidarity. Betting shops, known as bancas, serve as gathering places for residents, providing a space for social interaction, discussion, and leisure. The lottery's numerical system and rituals have also become ingrained in Brazilian popular culture, inspiring art, music, and literature.

Furthermore, the jogo do bicho has influenced the physical landscape of Brazilian cities. Bicheiros have often invested their wealth in constructing and maintaining public spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. These investments have created much-needed amenities for residents, particularly in impoverished communities. The lottery has also played a role in the informal economy, providing employment and income-generating opportunities for bettors and bookies.

The Social Impact of the Jogo do Bicho

The jogo do bicho has had both positive and negative social consequences. On the one hand, it has provided a source of income and upward mobility for many marginalized individuals. The lottery has also fostered a sense of community and belonging, particularly in favelas and working-class neighborhoods. Additionally, the patronage networks of bicheiros have played a role in addressing social needs and providing support to vulnerable populations.

On the other hand, the jogo do bicho has also been associated with violence and corruption. Bicheiros are often involved in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and illegal gambling. The lottery has also been implicated in episodes of police brutality and extrajudicial killings. Furthermore, the dependence on the lottery as a source of income can lead to financial instability and addiction.

The Future of the Jogo do Bicho

The jogo do bicho continues to face legal challenges and public scrutiny. However, despite its illegal status, the lottery remains deeply embedded in Brazilian society. In recent years, there have been efforts to legalize and regulate the jogo do bicho, with the aim of reducing its negative consequences and generating tax revenue for the government.

The future of the jogo do bicho is uncertain. However, it is likely that the lottery will continue to play a significant role in urban public life in Brazil. Its deep social and cultural roots, combined with its economic importance, make the jogo do bicho a resilient and persistent phenomenon.

Brazil's clandestine lottery, the jogo do bicho, is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that has left an enduring mark on the country's urban landscape. The lottery's origins in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and its subsequent spread to other major cities have shaped its unique characteristics and social impact. While the jogo do bicho remains illegal, it has become an integral part of Brazilian culture, providing a source of income, fostering a sense of community, and influencing the political and economic dynamics of urban life. The lottery's future is uncertain, but it is likely to continue to be a subject of debate and intrigue for years to come.

Laws of Chance: Brazil’s Clandestine Lottery and the Making of Urban Public Life (Radical Perspectives)

by Amy Chazkel

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7716 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	494 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE