The campaign was unveiled on social media at the same time representatives of regulated betting operators were in Brasília attending the 1st In-Person Meeting on Anti–Money Laundering and Counter–Terrorist Financing, aimed at sports betting operators. The Ministry of Finance convened the event to foster alignment between operators and public authorities and to consolidate Brazil’s regulated betting sector.
The government campaign promotes the new self-exclusion platform and adopts an approach that the betting market has described as “prohibitionist” and hostile to the regulated sector. The materials encourage a complete block on authorized betting websites.
The betting sector has been locked in a dispute with the Lula administration, which initially focused only on regulating and taxing betting operators, without advancing preventive measures or actions to address gambling addiction. After widespread negative attention regarding the risks associated with betting, the Planalto Palace turned to its communications and marketing teams to promote a crackdown on the practice.
The self-exclusion tool was announced in early December and also provides information on care facilities within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) for those experiencing gambling-related problems.
The platform also includes a mental health self-assessment. According to the Ministry of Health, the tool is not diagnostic in nature; its goal is to support users and indicate whether seeking professional care is advisable. Informational materials about gaming and betting are also available, along with guidance on where to find support within the public health network.
Starting in February 2026, the public health system will offer mental health teleconsultations with a specific focus on gaming and betting, in partnership with Hospital Sírio-Libanês. A total of 450 online consultations per month are planned.
Source: Estadão
