The government of Espírito Santo has begun offering free public treatment for people affected by addiction to online gambling, sports betting and digital games. The service was announced on 26 January and is already operating across the state.
The new initiative is delivered through the Rede Abraço programme, coordinated by the State Undersecretariat for Drug Policies. Rede Abraço has provided care for people with alcohol and drug dependency since 2013 and has assisted more than 3,000 individuals up to 2025.
The new service expands the programme’s scope to include behavioral addictions. It is available to people aged 14 and over, as well as family members seeking guidance or support. The aim is to support individuals with established addiction and those showing early signs of compulsive gambling or gaming behavior.
According to the Undersecretariat, behavioral addictions can share characteristics with chemical dependency and may occur at the same time. Financial difficulties, anxiety, mood changes and social withdrawal are among the most common indicators reported by people seeking assistance.
Care is provided in person at Rede Abraço units through multidisciplinary teams, including medical staff, nurses, psychologists and social workers. Ongoing treatment is scheduled and delivered on an outpatient basis, without hospital admission.
State health data and national surveys indicate a rise in demand for care related to gambling disorders within Brazil’s public health system, with the government setting out a national plan on mental health and gambling harm.
In January 2026, efforts to address gambling addiction gained momentum across Latin America as Panama’s National Assembly advanced a bill strengthening prevention and treatment measures, Belo Horizonte formalized a public mental health policy recognizing gambling addiction as a serious health issue and an Argentinian court ruled that insurers must fully cover gambling addiction treatment under existing mental health and problematic consumption laws.
The service is free and available Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm and initial consultations do not require appointments
