Recently, authorities in Miami-Dade County apprehended Marilyn Morel, who is accused of running an illicit lottery scheme within a North Miami Beach supermarket.
Although details about her nationality have not been revealed by either the media or officials, the case has drawn attention due to both the nature of the activity and the manner in which she managed this operation in a public commercial setting.
Morel was taken into custody on Wednesday by police officers following an investigation linking her to the sale of "la bolita," an illegal lottery format with deep historical roots in Cuba and various Latin American communities.
Lottery Operation in a Public Venue
Her base of operations was Prestige Supermarket, located at 6784 Northwest 2nd Avenue, right in the heart of a bustling Miami-Dade area, as reported by Univision.
What stands out in this case is that the operation wasn't hidden away in a home or a closed-off location, which one might assume in such scenarios, but rather took place openly where hundreds of shoppers went about their daily routines.
Authorities described how Morel would "collect bets using a computer" from inside the supermarket, employing simple yet effective technology to attract participants, record their numbers, and issue receipts as proof of their wagers.
The Intricacies of "La Bolita"
During the police intervention, cash and numerous receipts with numbers previously played were seized, confirming that this was not an isolated or casual activity but a well-structured and functioning business.
How did she manage to operate undetected? Although illegal, the "bolita" game often adapts well to the urban landscape of communities with a strong Latin influence.
Judicial documents indicate that Morel exploited the everyday dynamics of the supermarket: regular customers, many likely aware of the system, engaged in betting without arousing significant suspicion.
The use of a computer to log bets and provide receipts added a layer of organization that possibly gave the operation a semblance of legality or formal structure.
The Legacy and Legality of "La Bolita"
Yet, this did not prevent the police from uncovering the activity, likely stemming from a tip-off or undercover investigation in the area.
No details have been disclosed about how long Morel had been running this operation or if others were involved in the network. It is also unclear whether the supermarket was aware of or facilitated this activity.
Known as "la bolita," this illegal lottery game has persisted over the years, particularly in Cuban communities in southern Florida. The term derives from the "bolitero," the person selling small balls with numbers, a practice that originated in early 20th-century Cuba.
Despite its illegal status, it remains a fixture in popular culture as an informal alternative to state-sanctioned lotteries.
One significant aspect of this system is that it doesn't require its own draws: players' numbers are compared with official results from state lotteries, such as those in Florida, New York, or Georgia.
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
This method complicates detection of fraud since it leaves no clear trace of clandestine draws, allowing participants to justify their bets as akin to a simple comparison with official daily numbers.
While "la bolita" holds a traditional place in many immigrant communities, particularly among Cubans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans, its illegal status in Florida makes it a criminal offense.
In this case, Marilyn Morel faces charges of operating an illegal gambling game, which can lead to severe legal consequences, including fines and potential imprisonment.
The investigation remains active, with the possibility that more individuals could be implicated. Authorities may expand the case if a larger network of illegal betting sales connected to other city locations or similar operations is discovered.
Understanding the Illegal Lottery Landscape
What is "la bolita"?
"La bolita" is an illegal lottery game with a historical presence in Cuban and other Latin American communities. It involves betting on numbers that are then compared to official lottery results, avoiding the need for separate draws.
How was Marilyn Morel's operation discovered?
Marilyn Morel's operation was uncovered through a police investigation, possibly initiated by a tip-off or undercover work, leading to her arrest and the seizure of evidence.