Venezolanos se refugian en las apuestas para llegar a fin de mes (fotos)

Venezolanos se refugian en las apuestas para llegar a fin de mes (fotos)

Competitors take part in a horserace, with a slum or "barrio" in the background at La Rinconada Hippodrome, Caracas, Venezuela, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.
Carrera en el hipódromo La Rinconada Caracas, Venezuela /Foto REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes 

 

“¿La ballena, el perro o la cebra?”, se escucha mientras los jugadores hacen fila para hacer sus apuestas en una pequeña venta de lotería en Catia, una barriada popular de Caracas.

La creciente inflación y los salarios insuficientes están llevando a cada vez más venezolanos a buscar opciones como los juegos de azar para alimentarse, conseguir escaso efectivo y cubrir los gastos básicos del hogar.





Veruska Torres, de 26 años, se graduó de técnico superior en enfermería y trabajaba como ayudante en una farmacia. Cuando perdió su trabajo después de tener un hijo encontró una opción en un juego de lotería llamado “los animalitos”, que consiste en elegir de entre 38 animales y paga 30 veces lo apostado.

“El dinero me sirve para comprar comida para la casa y los pañales para el bebé. Lo más importante”, dijo Torres con su hijo en brazos luego de apostarle a la cebra. Juega entre 15 y 18 animalitos por día en ocho sorteos diarios.

“Si vivimos en un país lleno de petróleo tampoco es ideal llegar a esto. Pero la mayoría de las personas, lo que he visto en varias agencias (de lotería), no tienen empleo y lo que hacen es rebuscarse de esta manera”, agregó.

Aunque no hay cifras que permitan trazar una tendencia, vendedores en centros de apuestas entrevistados por Reuters aseguran que las filas suelen ser largas. También concuerdan en que muchos pierden más de lo que ganan, pero eso no disminuye la demanda en medio de una recesión que se acerca a su cuarto año y que evapora los salarios.

Expertos explican que, además del costado económico, el azar es una vía para distraerse de la aguda crisis, que tiene a millones de familias saltándose comidas, por precios que suben cada semana y la escasez de alimentos y medicinas.

“En crisis como la que vivimos, la gente bebe y juega más, es una forma de escapar de la realidad, a lo que se suma, que es una forma de conseguir para comprar la comida”, explicó la psicóloga Rosa García, de 51 años, en el estado rural Barinas.

En YouTube, dónde también se transmiten los varios sorteos diarios de los animalitos, los videos que enseñan cómo “ganar” cuentan con más de 500.000 visualizaciones. Varias empresas privadas venden estas rifas y la más popular tiene más de 100.000 seguidores en Twitter.

En busca de efectivo

El país con las mayores reservas de crudo del mundo también tiene escasez de dinero en efectivo. Economistas aducen que los precios se aceleran tan rápido, que la impresión de dinero no le sigue el paso, aunque las autoridades culpan a mafias de acaparar el efectivo.

Es por esta falta de efectivo, que imposibilita muchas operaciones diarias, por lo que los jugadores también se han acercado al juego de los “animalitos”, que paga al contado.

No es el caso de las carreras de caballos. Los bares y tiendas donde se realiza esta actividad han tenido que cambiar su modalidad y recibir transferencias bancarias electrónicas. En cambio, en los pequeños establecimientos donde solo aceptan billetes, ha bajado la clientela.

“Desde que desapareció el efectivo esto se vino abajo” se lamentó Paula Carrizal, una vendedora de apuestas hípicas de 30 años, desde un local improvisado en un galpón en Catia, donde se ven las carreras en la televisión.

No obstante, en el hipódromo de Caracas, un enclave tradicional venezolano que ahora muestra deterioro y fétidos olores, todavía los gritos de angustia y celebración de los apostadores se mezclan con la salsa a alto volumen.

Varias solicitudes de datos sobre el auge de las apuestas hechas al organismo gubernamental encargado de supervisar las actividades de azar no fueron respondidas, pero los testimonios de los entrevistados dan cuenta del auge.

“Con lo que me gano en los animales como y me ayudo bastante”, dijo Eduardo Liendo, un desempleado de 63 años que perdió su casa recientemente y vive en un carro en Propatria, otra barriada popular del oeste de la capital.

Juega dos o tres veces al día, y relató que en una semana se ganó el equivalente a la mitad del salario mínimo mensual porque apostó al perro todos los días tras la muerte de su mascota.

Por Andreina Aponte/Reuters

Fotos Reuters

A gambler wagers money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A gambler wagers money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Willian Torres (L), stands in the doorway to his house on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 14, 2017. Torres wagered money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game during the week, planning to go to the beach with his family with the prize money, but he didn't win. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Willian Torres (L), stands in the doorway to his house on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 14, 2017. Torres wagered money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game during the week, planning to go to the beach with his family with the prize money, but he didn’t win. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Children check the list for "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Children check the list for “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A child is reflected in a mirror as he wagers money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game in a grocery shop in Caracas, Venezuela, October 10, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A child is reflected in a mirror as he wagers money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game in a grocery shop in Caracas, Venezuela, October 10, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.
People wager money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.
People wager money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A child wagers money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A child wagers money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People wager money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 6, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
The bed of Eduardo Liendo, 63, who lives inside an old car is pictured on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
The bed of Eduardo Liendo, 63, who lives inside an old car is pictured on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 13, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A worker prepares food for the horses at a stable in La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A worker prepares food for the horses at a stable in La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Eduardo Liendo, 63, who lives inside an old car, holds his prize money which he won on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Eduardo Liendo, 63, who lives inside an old car, holds his prize money which he won on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Natalie Torres, 24, stands with her child, Abel, at the entrance to their building after betting money on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. The last time Torres won a prize on the "Los Animalitos" she bought school supplies for Abel. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Natalie Torres, 24, stands with her child, Abel, at the entrance to their building after betting money on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. The last time Torres won a prize on the “Los Animalitos” she bought school supplies for Abel. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Veruska Torres plays with her son on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. He is wearing a new t-shirt bought with prize money won on "Los Animalitos" (or the Little Animals) betting game. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Veruska Torres plays with her son on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 11, 2017. He is wearing a new t-shirt bought with prize money won on “Los Animalitos” (or the Little Animals) betting game. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A person injects a horse at a stable at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A person injects a horse at a stable at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Jockeys wait with their horses to attend a training session at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
Jockeys wait with their horses to attend a training session at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Competitors take part in a horserace, with a slum or "barrio" in the background at La Rinconada Hippodrome, Caracas, Venezuela, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.
Competitors take part in a horserace, with a slum or “barrio” in the background at La Rinconada Hippodrome, Caracas, Venezuela, October 8, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY.
People watch a horse race, with a slum or "barrio" in the background, at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 30, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People watch a horse race, with a slum or “barrio” in the background, at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, September 30, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
People react as they watch a horse race at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
People react as they watch a horse race at La Rinconada Hippodrome, in Caracas, Venezuela, October 14, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money to place horse racing bets at a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money to place horse racing bets at a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money to place bets on horse racing at a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money to place bets on horse racing at a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money in a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH "MORAES GAMBLING" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.
A man counts his money in a small warehouse on the outskirts of Caracas, Venezuela, October 7, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes SEARCH “MORAES GAMBLING” FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH “WIDER IMAGE” FOR ALL STORIES.
Personas apostando en "Los Animalitos" a las afueras de Caracas, oct 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes
Personas apostando en “Los Animalitos” a las afueras de Caracas, oct 9, 2017. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes