Brazilian Police Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling in São Paulo
The Civil Police of the state of São Paulo have launched an enforcement action against illegal gambling operations in the jurisdiction. The effort, known as Operation Tiger Hunting, targeted electronic gambling networks like Fortune Tiger, also known as Jogo do Tigrinho.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The raid targeted two influencers who amassed fortunes over three years by advertising Jogo do Tigrinho, flaunting condos and cars to draw in bettors seeking "easy wins." These unregulated platforms operate without oversight: no age verification, no spending limits, and no addiction safeguards, leaving players vulnerable to rigged odds and debt.
Related: Popular Brazilian Influencer Nabbed for Illegal Gambling Scheme
Authorities executed five search warrants across two luxury condominiums in São José do Rio Preto, a rural estate in Ipiguá, and other suspect-linked properties. They confiscated a caliber 24 shotgun, a luxury car, a jet ski, multiple cellphones, and computers, all now under forensic analysis to trace illicit funds. One suspect was arrested for illegal firearm possession, charged, and released on bail.
The haul exposed deep connections to organized crime, including money laundering through shell accounts and asset concealment via luxury purchases. The investigation was led by Delegate Adriano Pitoscia of DEIC's Specialized Sector for Combating Corruption, Organized Crime, and Money Laundering (Seccold).
The operation struck at schemes draining Brazil's legal gambling sector, which generated R$17.4 billion ($3.29 billion) in gross gaming revenue in the first half of 2025. Licensed companies, bound by strict Ministry of Finance regulations, face unfair competition from these black-market sites.
Surveys show over 50% of southern Brazil's bettors use these illegal sites, diverting billions from taxes that support regulated operations and public services. The Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR) is fighting back with its "No More Goats in the Room" campaign, promoting .bet.br domains and tools like Betalert to guide players to safe platforms.
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Brazil’s Regulatory Push
Operation Tiger Hunting aligns with Brazil's broader push to clean up gambling, with 18,000 illegal websites blocked since October 2024, including 15,000 in 2025 alone. This crackdown channels players to licensed platforms, boosting tax revenue and enabling innovations like AI-driven responsible gaming tools.
Legal sites saw 2.21 million visits in August 2025, a 190% jump from the previous year, signaling strong demand for regulated betting when enforcement holds firm. Licensed operators are also pushing for tougher laws, including Bill PL 706-2025, which could impose four-year prison terms for promoting illegal gambling.
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