Jogo do Bicho, which means “Animal Game,” is a very popular game in Brazil. Even though it is technically illegal, millions of people play it every day. It is simple, fun, and has become part of Brazilian culture for more than a century.
The History of the Game
The game started in 1892 in Rio de Janeiro. João Batista Viana Drummond, a zoo owner, wanted to attract more visitors. He created tickets with pictures of 25 animals. At the end of the day, one animal would be drawn. Anyone holding a ticket with that animal would win a prize.
Over time, the game changed. Each animal became linked to a set of numbers, which made the game more like a lottery and added new ways to play.
Animals and Their Numbers
There are 25 animals in the game, and each one has four numbers. Some examples include:
- Ostrich (Avestruz): 01, 02, 03, 04
- Eagle (Águia): 05, 06, 07, 08
- Donkey (Burro): 09, 10, 11, 12
- Cow (Vaca): 97, 98, 99, 00
When you place a bet on an animal, you are also betting on its four numbers.
How to Place Bets
There are several ways to play Jogo do Bicho:
- Animal Bet: Pick one animal. If it comes up in the winning draw, you win.
- Multiple Animals: Pick two or more animals for bigger payouts.
- Number Bets: You can also bet on numbers directly, choosing two digits (dezena), three digits (centena), or all four digits (milhar).
The results are usually shared publicly. People often check the boards or walls in their neighborhoods to see what deu no poste hoje.
How the Draw Works
Draws can use official lottery numbers or be done locally by operators called bicheiros. Since the game is illegal, the rules and payouts can vary depending on the operator. This adds excitement but also some risk.
Why People Love Jogo do Bicho
The game is popular for several reasons:
- It is easy to play.
- Minimum bets are low, so anyone can join.
- It is part of Brazilian culture and tradition.
Even though it is illegal, it has survived for over a century because people enjoy the excitement and the sense of community it creates.
A Word of Caution
Since Jogo do Bicho is illegal, there is no official protection for players. Payouts can vary, and disputes cannot be solved legally. Players need to be aware of the risks before participating.
Conclusion
Jogo do Bicho is more than just a game. It is a cultural tradition, a daily ritual, and a part of Brazilian life. Learning the rules, numbers, and animals is the first step to understanding it. And if you are ever in Brazil, you might hear locals talking about what deu no poste hoje while checking the latest results.
