Brazil’s responsible gambling strategy is increasingly moving beyond regulation and into direct consumer engagement, with the Federal Government launching a WhatsApp campaign aimed at informing bettors about self-exclusion and treatment resources.
Global Gaming Insider received one of the messages firsthand through the Government’s official communication channel. The message informed recipients that they can now block access to all betting operators licensed by the Ministry of Finance for a minimum period of one month through Brazil’s centralized self-exclusion platform.
The communication also directs users to additional support services, including partnership with the universal health system with telehealth consultations through Meu SUS Digital, assistance available at Basic Health Units (UBS) and Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), as well as a gambling self-assessment tool designed to help identify problematic gambling behaviour.
The initiative comes as Brazil continues to expand its responsible gambling framework alongside the growth of its regulated betting market.
According to data released by the Ministry of Finance, more than 600,000 people have already voluntarily registered with the country’s self-exclusion system, making it one of the most widely used consumer protection tools introduced since regulation came into force.
Rather than relying solely on operator-led messaging, the latest campaign sees the Government itself taking a more active role in public awareness efforts.
The use of WhatsApp is particularly notable given the platform’s reach across Brazil and its status as one of the country’s primary communication channels.
That trend was reinforced this week when the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA) and the National Secretariat for Digital Rights (Sedigi) signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening consumer protections in the digital betting environment.
Brazil’s Sports Minister has warned that many consumers are approaching betting with expectations of improving their financial circumstances rather than treating it as a form of entertainment
