Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘Rulers of Fortune’ or ‘Os Donos do Jogo’ takes a look at the mysteries and the power dynamics in Rio de Janeiro’s underworld. The Brazilian crime drama series follows the ambitious life of a man named Profeta, who tries to shape his own destiny in the underworld, while facing significant challenges. Created by Heitor Dhalia, Bernardo Barcellos, and Bruno Passeri, the narrative deals with the realm of gambling in the underbelly of Rio.
As the city’s most powerful crime syndicate grapples with a crisis stemming from the potential legalization of gambling, Profeta seeks to emerge as a new player in the power vacuum. While foreign interests and money clash with local players, Rio is taken on a wild ride of chaos, betrayals, and clever moves. Exploring the vibrant, yet dangerous spaces of violence and crime in Brazil, the series navigates the ideas of loyalty, deception, and control, while also commenting on the fragility of criminal enterprises.
Rulers of Fortune Explores the Underworld of Rio de Janeiro
Written by Bernardo Barcellos, Mariana Torres, Renata Dias Gomes, Luciana Pessanha, Rafael Spínola, João Iglesias, and Rosana Rodini, ‘Rulers of Fortune’ is a fictional story that reflects the reality of crime, violence, and ambition. The nucleus of the story is Profeta’s attempt to gain greater rewards through his involvement in gambling and other crimes. The workings of crime syndicates in Brazil, and their control over law and order, are a central part of the show. One of the key themes the show explores is that it suggests laws in Rio can seem to emerge from the streets themselves, with gangsters and criminals exerting influence over institutions.
Though the show does not use names of any real gangs or individuals, it represents the impact of criminal gangs on society and politics. As reported in 2025, a Rio de Janeiro police operation targeting the Red Command gang resulted in at least 64 deaths, including four police officers, in the Alemão and Penha districts. “Operation Containment” was the deadliest raid in the state’s history, leading to over 80 arrests. Organized crime groups have maintained a significant presence in some regions of Rio. Speaking about the deadly operation, Governor Claudio Castro of Rio opined that the establishment wants a city and country free of crime.
The actions from the cops were seen as a necessary part of ensuring public safety and liberty. The narrative, despite using creative liberties to depict a thrilling crime drama, manages to stay grounded due to its realistic characters and their motivations in the world of crime. The show also sheds light on how survival and growth work in the realm of crime. Through the experiences of Profeta, the story depicts the hustle and bustle required to battle challenges in the underworld. Ultimately, ‘Rulers of Fortune’ is a fictional tale that depicts reality in brutal ways.
The Story Deals with the Complexities of the Gambling Industry in Brazil
Brazil is known to have a historical connection with gambling, which is also one of the major elements of the show. A form of gambling known as “Jogo do bicho” is at the core of this issue. It is also called the “Animal Game” due to the elements involved in the play. The original 19th-century lottery game used 25 animals, each assigned four numbers. While a direct animal bet offers 20 to 1 odds, predicting the last two digits yields 70 to 1, three digits 700 to 1, and all four 6,000 to 1. Players can bet in various ways, with options for up to seven drawings at an extra cost. The people who run such gambling games are called “Bicheiro,” whose realities are explored in the show. The significance of gambling in the daily lives of people is also an important part of the story.
Another major issue tackled by the narrative is the potential chaos caused by the legalization of gambling by the state and how it affects the power of the criminal gangs. While illegal operations allow the gangs to control the streets, the legalization of the activity makes it difficult for them to have political influence. Reportedly, Brazil is deciding on the legalization of casinos in its territory. A bill termed “Bill 2234/2022” aims to legalize gambling via integrated resort casinos in order to boost tourism, create jobs, and generate tax revenue. The show addresses similar issues while also exploring complex characters. In conclusion, it can be said that the series presents a nuanced portrayal of reality, while also dramatizing real-life issues in Brazil.
Read More: Rulers of Fortune Ending Explained: Does Profeta Become a Board Member?
