AI becomes unexpected referral tool for gambling support groups in Brazil 

Artificial intelligence is emerging as an unexpected gateway to gambling addiction support in Brazil, according to members of a long-running support group in Salvador.

Representatives from the Gamblers Anonymous group in the city say an increasing number of people have been arriving at meetings after asking ChatGPT and other AI platforms where they can find help for gambling-related problems.

The group, which has operated for nearly two decades and holds both in-person and online meetings, says the trend reflects a broader shift in the profile of people seeking support.

“Currently, the main thing directing people to Gamblers Anonymous is ChatGPT,” one member told local media. 

“In desperation, after trying several alternatives, people ask the chat what they should do.”

While the organization does not maintain formal data on referrals, members say attendance has increased significantly in recent years. 

According to one participant, who has attended meetings for four years, in-person sessions now regularly attract between 30 and 40 people, compared to around 10 in the past. 

“I gambled for 15 years and, when I first started attending, most people were older and played bingo or slot machines,” the member said. “Now it’s much more diverse, with younger people arriving all the time.”

According to them, many of those newer participants are dealing with problems linked to online betting platforms, reflecting broader concerns about gambling-related harm following the rapid expansion of Brazil’s regulated betting market.

Mental health professionals stressed that peer-support groups can play an important role, but should not replace professional treatment. 

The story arrives as Brazil continues expanding public-health responses to gambling-related harm, with recent initiatives including a nationwide training program launched by the Ministry of Health aimed at healthcare professionals working within the public health system.