Brazil Police Seize Illegal Bingo Operation in Historic Campinas Building
In the heart of Campinas, a historic building on Rua Barão de Jaguara became the scene of a significant crackdown last night. The Military Police of São Paulo swiftly shut down an illegal bingo hall operating clandestinely within the former 7th Notary Office. The operation was launched in response to an anonymous tip that raised suspicions about illicit gambling activities taking place in the area. Brazil police illegal Bingo
The raid uncovered a surprising setup. Authorities confiscated a substantial amount of gaming equipment, including 72 computers, 19 ticket printers, and an automated gambling system. Additionally, they released 78 individuals caught in the act of gambling. Sixteen staff members now face charges for running an unlicensed gambling establishment. Cash seized during the operation amounted to R$621.30 (roughly $117), along with an extra R$150 linked to the establishment’s manager.
According to police reports, the illegal operation had been ongoing for nearly eight months before authorities stepped in. During questioning, employees attempted to portray the activity as legitimate and charitable. The manager claimed to be unaware of the ownership details, describing the event as a charity activity. Staff members explained that proceeds from raffle tickets were meant to fund prizes, and that the R$2 entry fee was supposedly intended to buy basic food baskets, as advertised on the building’s facade.
Despite the presence of high-tech gaming equipment, employees insisted that they had no knowledge of the machines, asserting that all games were conducted with traditional bingo cards. Authorities, however, found documentation claiming to authorize the bingo event. Yet, it was revealed that the authorization was issued to an NGO in São Paulo, not the Campinas venue, casting doubt on the legality of the operation.
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This incident is part of a broader pattern of enforcement across Brazil, which has seen recent actions targeting both online gambling-related fraud and illegal betting schemes promoted by influencers. As policymakers grapple with how to regulate and tax gambling activities—whether land-based or digital—debates are intensifying. Finance Minister Fernando Haddad has proposed an 18% tax rate for licensed operators, while former House Speaker Arthur Lira emphasizes the importance of cracking down on illegal operations first, before considering tax hikes on legitimate businesses. Brazil police illegal Bingo
