Brazil court orders operator to repay $42,020 to compulsive gambler

A court in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has ordered an online betting operator to reimburse more than BR206,000 to a user diagnosed with pathological gambling, in a ruling that adds to ongoing scrutiny over responsible gambling obligations in the country’s regulated market.

According to the decision issued by the Rio Grande do Sul Court of Justice (TJRS), the bettor placed approximately 90,000 wagers between February and September 2025, accumulating losses of BR206,723 during the seven-month period.

Medical reports presented during proceedings confirmed that the user suffered from gambling disorder, a condition that compromises impulse control and decision-making capacity.

In the ruling, the judge concluded that the operator failed in its duty of care despite what the court described as “clear signs” of compulsive behavior, including overnight betting sessions and prolonged continuous activity on the platform.

“Although the company claims to adopt responsible gambling policies, the measures effectively implemented proved insufficient in light of the evident compulsive pattern presented by the claimant,” the judge stated.

The decision also referenced Brazil’s betting law, Law No. 14.790/2023, which establishes obligations for operators regarding the monitoring of risky gambling behaviour and addiction-related activity.

Based on Brazil’s Consumer Protection Code, the court recognized the operator’s objective liability for the financial losses suffered by the bettor. 

In addition to ordering the reimbursement of losses with interest and monetary correction, the court also annulled all bets placed on the platform and awarded BR8,000 in moral damages related to emotional distress.

Recently, Finance Minister Dario Durigan stated that betting activity is affecting household finances in the country and defended measures aimed at restricting access to online gambling for heavily indebted consumers.

The operator’s name was not publicly disclosed.