Gambling Disorder Due to Brazilian Animal Game (“Jogo do bicho”): Gambling Behavior and Psychopathology

Abstract

Gambling is currently widespread across the globe and despite legally restricted, it is significantly common in Brazil. A traditional and common form of gambling in Brazil is the Brazilian animal game (BAG) - “Jogo do bicho” in Portuguese. In 2013, BAG activities collected approximately 19 billion Brazilian reais - equivalent to more than 8 billon American dollars, a figure almost 60% higher than legal lotteries. Although a common form of gambling, the gambling behavior and psychopathology of gambling disorder (GD) associated with BAG has never been systematically studied. The aim of this study is to conduct, the first research approaching GD due to BAG. We assessed 897 participants of whom 63 subjects (7.0%) presented with GD due to BAG and 834 with GD associated with other forms of gambling. After comparing these two groups, major differences were found in demographics, gambling behavior elements and psychopathological variables. This research reinforces the need for further research on BAG and the need for specific approaches in GD. The particularities of BAG may affect treatment strategies as, for example, suggest some adaptations in social and psychotherapeutic approaches. We also highlight the need to acknowledge the “hidden” BAG as a potential addictive game.

Expanding Health Taxation to Other Unhealthy Behaviours and Harmful Activities

“…153 Even in countries where gambling is legally restricted, such as in Brazil, the industry is estimated to generate USD 13 billion, with about 60% coming from illegal gambling, mainly from the so-called 'animal game' (jogo do bicho). 154 Gambling is also an important source of revenue for countries. In the United Kingdom alone, the betting and gaming tax receipts reached USD 3.8 billion in the fiscal year of 2018/2019.…”

Institutionalizing markets: a proposed research agenda

“…Another market to examine in light of the pillars of legitimacy is the animal game. Despite existing for more than 120 years, moving millions of dollars, and having national capillarity, the activity lacks regulatory legitimacy, representing the world's largest illegal lottery (Medeiros, Grant, & Tavares, 2016). How could this market have been historically legitimized in the absence of regulatory legitimacy?…”

Institucionalizando mercados: uma proposta de agenda de pesquisa

“…Outro mercado que poderia ser examinado à luz dos pilares da legitimidade é o jogo do bicho. Apesar de existir por mais de 120 anos, movimentando cifras anuais bilionárias e tendo capilaridade nacional, a atividade carece de legitimidade regulatória, representando a maior loteria ilegal do mundo (Medeiros, Grant, & Tavares, 2016). Como esse mercado pôde, historicamente, se legitimar na ausência da legitimidade regulatória?…”