Guilherme Boulos, Chief Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency of the Republic, has voiced support for banning online betting platforms in Brazil, while also calling for stronger digital safeguards aimed at protecting children and teenagers.
Speaking during a Government media appearance, the Minister placed particular emphasis on the need to regulate online environments frequented by younger users.
He argued that current safeguards are insufficient, pointing to excessive screen time and exposure to potentially addictive content as growing concerns for families.
Among the measures discussed were limits on daily platform usage and the introduction of stricter content filters. Boulos also criticized features such as the “infinite feed,” describing it as a mechanism that can foster dependency rather than simple engagement.
“If there’s no control, you need to have a filter,” he said.
Beyond social media, the Minister directly targeted betting platforms, stating his personal view that such activities should be prohibited in the country.
He referenced both sports betting and online gaming products, arguing that their expansion has had negative consequences for household finances.
“For me, it should be fully banned. I think betting platforms should be prohibited in Brazil, because we tested regulations and it is tragic. It’s destroying families, draining the income of working households,” Boulos stated, echoing previous criticism of the sector from Brazil’s President, Lula da Silva.
Boulos also pointed to structural economic pressures, including high interest rates, as compounding financial strain on households. He suggested that both costs of credit and betting-related spending are weighing on disposable income.
At the same time, he acknowledged the political complexity surrounding the issue, citing strong lobbying efforts by betting companies in Congress as a barrier to stricter legislation.
Brazilian bettors will be required to declare annual winnings above $5,477 in the 2026 tax return
