A public health employee in the Brazilian municipality of Jaciara has been suspended from his duties after authorities opened an administrative investigation into alleged access to online betting platforms, including illegal ones, during working hours.
The employee works as a Health Surveillance Agent within the city’s Health Secretariat. According to an official ordinance published earlier this year, he has been removed from his position for 60 days while the investigation is carried out.
The case follows a technical review of a computer assigned to the department, which reportedly found evidence of repeated visits to betting websites, e-commerce platforms and other online content considered unrelated to public service activities.
Local authorities said the alleged behaviour may represent inappropriate use of public resources and working time. The investigation will determine whether disciplinary measures are warranted once the review is completed.
The ordinance also noted that the employee was already the subject of a separate administrative inquiry involving the alleged use of online betting and gaming platforms through government-owned equipment.
According to Brazil’s Ministry of Health, demand for mental health services linked to online gambling addiction has risen by nearly 140% over the past five years.
The figures were presented during a recent hearing in the Chamber of Deputies, where officials discussed the social and economic impact of betting activity and the growing need for prevention, treatment and support services across the public healthcare system.
No conclusions have yet been reached in the Jaciara investigation.
Recently, Brazil’s Ministry of Health has launched a free online training program focused on gambling addiction prevention and treatment
