Brazil Launches Gambling Harm Awareness Campaign

Brazil's Ministry of Health has introduced a new digital awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about the risks associated with online gambling. The initiative will continue after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as part of broader efforts to reduce gambling-related harm and improve access to mental health support for players and their families.

The programme forms part of the country's Unified Health System (SUS) and focuses on addressing gambling disorders through educational resources and confidential specialist assistance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.2% of adults are affected by gambling disorder.

The campaign also highlights the risks linked to excessive gambling, including the methods used by illegal gambling websites to encourage continued betting through bonuses, push notifications, live betting options and reward systems.

Self-Assessment and Access to Support

The new service is available through the Meu SUS website and mobile application using a Gov.br account.

Users can complete a confidential questionnaire within a feature titled "Problems with betting games?" to assess their gambling behaviour.

If the results indicate a moderate or high level of gambling-related risk, users are automatically referred to specialised mental health telecare services. Those identified as lower risk receive educational guidance and information about support available through Brazil's Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS).

For individuals requiring face-to-face assistance, the Ministry recommends visiting a Primary Health Care Unit (UBS), where healthcare professionals can carry out an initial assessment and when appropriate, refer patients to a Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) for treatment by a multidisciplinary team.

Finance Ministry Introduces Additional Consumer Protections

Alongside the healthcare initiative, Brazil's Ministry of Finance continues to strengthen consumer protection through its Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform.

Using a Gov.br account, individuals can voluntarily exclude themselves from all licensed betting operators. Once activated, the system freezes existing betting accounts, blocks the creation of new accounts linked to the user's CPF tax identification number and prevents targeted gambling advertisements from licensed operators.

The platform also provides educational resources covering responsible gambling, financial wellbeing and mental health.

Focus on Public Health

The campaign reflects Brazil's growing emphasis on treating gambling-related harm as both a public health and consumer protection issue. By combining digital screening tools, psychological support services and self-exclusion options, authorities aim to encourage earlier intervention for individuals experiencing gambling-related problems.

The initiative forms part of the country's wider efforts to regulate the betting industry while promoting responsible gambling and improving access to public health services.