Ângelo Maria Longa (c. 1910 – March 16, 1986), popularly known as Tio Patinhas ("Scrooge McDuck" in Brazil), was an illegal lottery operator in the widely popular jogo do bicho (the animal game) in Rio de Janeiro, considered one of the wealthiest and most influential bicheiros [nb 1] and contraventores[nb 2] of the city of Rio de Janeiro during the 1970s and 1980s.
[3][4] Tio Patinhas operated numerous pontos (points-of-sale betting) across Rio's South Zone, Downtown, Vila Isabel, and Tijuca neighborhoods.
[5][6][7][8] Tio Patinhas was also known for his role as a "descarga," a financial bicheiro who ensured the payment of large prizes, acting as a safety net for smaller operators.
[16][17] Like the fictional character, Tio Patinhas was known for hoarding large sums of money, keeping stacks of cash in a safe at his home instead of trusting banks.
[5][31][32][33] As the wealthiest bicheiros in the group, Tio Patinhas served as the "descarga," ensuring the payment of large prizes and preventing smaller operators from going bankrupt.