In the southern part of Brazil, the police recently launched a large-scale raid operation, codenamed "Red Card Operation", successfully seizing about 30 million reais (approximately 5.4 million US dollars) in assets from illegal gambling syndicates, including real estate, luxury cars, and financial accounts. This operation marks the latest progress in Brazil's crackdown on illegal gambling activities, demonstrating the government's continued determination to regulate the gambling industry.
This law enforcement focus targeted multiple cities in the coastal area of Santa Catarina state, investigating several illegally operated platforms, including the widely criticized "Fortune Tiger", also locally known as "Jogo do Tigrinho". The police pointed out that the syndicate laundered money through shell companies, profiting from unlicensed gambling websites, online bingo, slot machines, and "jogo do bicho" — a popular underground lottery game in Brazil.
The investigation also revealed that some currently legally operating gambling platforms actually originated from illegal gambling companies. More than 10 key suspects were involved, and in addition to seizing assets, the police also confiscated numerous computers and key documents to assist in further evidence collection.
The "Red Card Operation" is a continuation of Brazil's recent series of actions against illegal gambling. Previous similar operations have already seized a large number of properties and vehicles. At the national level, Brazil's Prize and Gambling Department also recently announced the 2025-2026 regulatory agenda, focusing on licensing systems, enforcement strategies, and consumer protection, among other issues.
Against the backdrop of an accelerated legalization process, the Brazilian government is intensifying law enforcement efforts to eradicate underground gambling networks and promote the establishment of a transparent and controllable gambling market order.
