Police in Brazil’s northeastern state of Sergipe have shut down an illegal bingo operation running from a building in downtown Aracaju, as authorities continue targeting unauthorized gambling activity across the country.
The operation was carried out by the Special Group for Combating Robberies and Theft (Gecrof) after investigators received multiple reports alleging illegal gambling activity at the property on Rua Capela, in the city center.
During the raid, officers seized 34 CPUs, a machine used to draw bingo balls and cash linked to the operation. The individual responsible for the venue was taken to the Department for Crimes Against Property (Depatri) for legal proceedings.
“We received numerous reports that a bingo operation was functioning inside this building. Gecrof began conducting investigations and today we caught the bingo operating in real time,” delegate Marcos Garcia said.
According to Garcia, operating games of chance without authorization remains a criminal misdemeanour under Brazilian law and can result in prison sentences ranging from three months to one year.
The case comes as Brazil continues debating the legal status of bingo operations nationwide. While commercial bingo halls remain effectively prohibited at federal level, some states have recently moved to protect limited forms of the activity.
Earlier this month, in the south of Brazil, the state of Santa Catarina signed a new law formally recognizing charity bingo events organised by churches, community groups and senior citizen associations under what local authorities described as “good gambling” practices.
While online betting is now regulated federally, traditional bingo operations remain subject to older gambling restrictions dating back more than two decades.
Still, illegal operations are frequent throughout the country, targeted by Brazilian Police.
Commercial bingo halls have remained effectively banned in Brazil since the early 2000s
