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[INTERNATIONAL] · Brazil · 12 sources

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Brazil blocks 3 million social program beneficiaries from online betting

Brazil has implemented measures to curb the impact of online betting on vulnerable populations. Following a Supreme Federal Court (STF) mandate, the federal government has blocked over 3 million beneficiaries of social programs—including Bolsa Família, BPC, and Fies students—from accessing or maintaining accounts on authorized betting platforms.

This restriction is managed through the 'Impedidos' Module of the Betting Management System (Sigap), developed by Serpro. The system performs real-time verification using CPF data. If a platform identifies a blocked user, it is required to close the account and return any remaining balance within three days.

Parallel to these regulatory actions, reports highlight a growing crisis of ludopathy (gambling addiction) in Brazil, particularly within lower-income communities. Individuals have reported devastating personal consequences, including the loss of homes, vehicles, and family stability, with some accumulating debts exceeding R$ 200,000. Health professionals note that the ease of access via mobile devices has turned gambling into a pervasive issue, leading to increased demand for psychological support at specialized centers.

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Bolsa Família · Brazil · Brazilian federal government · SERPRO · Sigap · Supreme Federal Court

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