Two committees within Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies will hold a joint public hearing this week to discuss the social and financial impacts of online betting on the country’s elderly population.
The debate, organized by the Human Rights Committee and the Committee for the Rights of Elderly People, was requested by lawmakers from the Workers’ Party (PT) and will focus on issues including over-indebtedness, compulsive gambling and the use of targeted advertising aimed at older consumers.
According to the organizers, discussions will examine how fixed-odds betting platforms may contribute to financial vulnerability among Brazilians aged over 60, particularly through the use of algorithms and marketing strategies capable of encouraging compulsive behavior.
Lawmakers also plan to assess the impact of betting on mental health and pension income, as well as the effectiveness of consumer protection measures currently adopted by digital operators.
The hearing comes amid growing political and institutional pressure surrounding gambling-related harm in Brazil, especially after President Lula’s remarks on the measure. The President is also part of the Workers’ Party.
Data presented by Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies ahead of the debate highlighted concerns surrounding compulsive gambling behavior and financial distress among bettors.
According to figures mentioned in preparation for the debate, 86% of bettors accumulate debt, while 64% reportedly have negative credit records through Brazil’s financial protection system, Serasa. Another 63% said betting compromises a significant share of their monthly income.
Additional material prepared for the hearing also stated that Brazil has become the world’s fifth-largest betting market, with estimated sector revenue reaching $4.14bn in 2025.
Recently, regulators warned that illegal operators continue attracting consumers through professional-looking websites and misleading security claims despite stricter federal regulation.
In Brazil’s regulated market, licensed operators are now required to use the official “.bet.br” domain as one of the main indicators of legal authorization
