Brazilian Civil Police have seized 15 betting machines during an operation targeting illegal gambling activity in the western region of São Paulo state.
The action, named “Jogo Sujo” (‘Dirty Game’), took place in the municipality of Presidente Bernardes, where authorities executed 12 search and seizure warrants across a mix of commercial, residential and rural properties.
According to police, the investigation began earlier in 2025 following a series of anonymous complaints alleging that local businesses and private properties were being used to facilitate unlawful gambling operations.
During the operation, officers confiscated not only the machines but also materials linked to betting activity, including 13 betting slips, handwritten notes, books, a television and cash. Authorities said the equipment found included electronic terminals and devices resembling payment machines, which were allegedly used to run gambling activities dependent predominantly on chance.
Around 30 officers took part in the coordinated effort, with support from neighboring police units in other municipalities.
While no arrests have been reported, investigators indicated that there is a suspect believed to be involved in the logistics and financial handling of the operation, suggesting a level of hierarchical organization behind the activity.
The name of the operation reflects the authorities’ focus on illegal gambling practices, which remain prohibited in many formats across Brazil, particularly when conducted outside the regulated framework.
The case adds to a pattern of enforcement actions targeting unlicensed gambling setups across the country, as authorities continue to respond to reports of informal operations running alongside the regulated betting market.
Police recently shut down an illegal bingo hall in São Paulo state for the fourth time, showing the persistence of underground gambling operations
