Brazil: João Pessoa launches program to tackle betting addiction

João Pessoa’s City Council has promulgated a program aimed at preventing the impacts of online betting and tackling gambling addiction in the Brazilian city.

The measure was approved after councillors overturned a partial veto from the municipal executive concerning Bill 298/2025. The program will promote educational, preventive and assistance measures addressing compulsive use of online betting platforms.

Under the initiative, gambling addiction is defined as a condition characterised by recurrent pathological gambling despite significant personal, family, social or financial harm.

The program aims to raise awareness that sports betting can cause addiction, prevent and treat online gambling-related problems and reduce gambling-related financial harm. It also seeks to train health, education and social assistance professionals to deal with gambling addiction cases.

Another objective is to help bettors identify officially authorised betting companies and distinguish them from operators that engage in harmful or illegal practices.

Potential measures include educational campaigns in schools, public spaces, social media and other media, alongside informational materials about the risks of online betting. The program can also include discussions, lectures, workshops and seminars addressing gambling addiction and mental health.

People affected by gambling addiction and their families may receive free psychological and social support, while a dedicated channel for listening, support and guidance may also be established.

The municipal executive may enter into agreements and partnerships to implement the programme’s objectives.

The initiative comes as Brazilian authorities increase their focus on gambling-related harm. Recently, the Ministry of Health launched a free telehealth service through SUS, Brazil’s universal public healthcare system, to support people experiencing problems related to gambling and betting.