Gambling and betting, particularly online gambling - which is becoming increasingly widespread through so-called “bets” - have been harming the finances and health of many Brazilians. In response, the Ministries of Health and Finance have launched initiatives aimed at preventing gambling addiction, addressing the physical, mental, and financial well-being of users.

Some of these tools are provided for in a technical cooperation agreement signed on Wednesday (Dec. 3) by the Ministers of Health, Alexandre Padilha, and Finance, Fernando Haddad. One of the tools to be implemented is a self-exclusion platform that, starting December 10, will allow bettors who wish to overcome their addiction to request a block from betting sites, as well as make their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) unavailable for new registrations or for receiving betting advertisements.

A recent study found that betting causes economic and social losses in the country, estimated at BRL 38.8 billion annually.

The agreement also establishes, among other prevention and care measures, the Brazil Health and Electronic Betting Observatory. It will serve as a permanent channel for data exchange between ministries, enabling integrated support so that users can seek help from Brazil’s public healthcare network, the SUS.

“Based on the data we have, we will identify patterns such as addiction or compulsion in individuals. The records will help us determine their location, so our teams can reach out and offer support, serving as a friendly shoulder or a helping hand,” explained Alexandre Padilha.

Tools

In addition to the self-exclusion platform, a series of guidelines on how to seek help through the public health system will also be made available, including information on SUS service points via the Meu SUS Digital app and the SUS Ombudsman.

The Ministry of Health has also launched the Care Line for People with Gambling-Related Problems, which provides clinical guidance and both in-person and online support to reduce barriers to mental health care.

According to the Ministry of Health, starting in February 2026, the public health system will offer mental health telecare services focused on gambling and betting, in partnership with Sírio-Libanês Hospital.

Initially, there will be 450 online consultations per month, with the ministry potentially increasing this number depending on demand.

“This assistance will operate in an integrated manner as part of the SUS network, and, whenever necessary, patients will be referred for in-person care,” the ministry stated.

Regulation

During the event, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad noted that, although betting was authorized in 2018, little was done to regulate the activity during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration.

“It was necessary to define taxation, advertising and marketing rules, responsible gaming parameters, and the role of each ministry in combating abusive practices, preventing money laundering, and supporting people in need of public health care. None of this was done between 2019 and 2022,” the minister said.

He added that, under current rules, no Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of a child or of a beneficiary of income transfer programs, such as the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) or Bolsa Família, can be used to register on gaming sites.

Disorders

According to Marcelo Kimati, director of the Department of Mental Health, Alcohol, and Other Drugs at the Ministry of Health, data already released by the SUS indicate an increase in the number of people seeking treatment for gambling-related disorders.

According to him, in 2023, the SUS provided 2,262 consultations to people with this type of addiction or compulsion. In 2024, the number rose to 3,490. “From January to June 2025, we had already recorded 1,951 consultations,” the director noted.

During the signing ceremony of the agreement between the Ministries of Health and Finance, Kimati said that, with the data already available, it is possible to draw a profile of people who experience this type of problem.

“He is male; between 18 and 35 years old; black; experiences stress and disruption in daily life; is separated, retired, or unemployed; and is isolated or has a fragile support network,” the director explained, highlighting that, in summary, this profile is directly associated with populations living in situations of vulnerability.