Brazil faces surge in online gambling addiction during World Cup

The World Cup has sparked a dramatic rise in online betting across Brazil. A fintech analysis using Open Finance data shows that the share of Brazilians who gamble online jumped from about 11 % in May to 34.8 % during the tournament. Journalists warn that the betting boom is turning into a public‑health crisis. As Carlos Alberto Di Franco wrote, “the addiction to betting has become a serious public‑health problem,” noting that compulsive gambling leads to debt, family breakdown and even suicide. Critics argue that advertising for betting platforms should be restricted in the same way as tobacco and alcohol ads, especially to protect children and adolescents. Despite heightened media debate, no regulatory changes have been enacted, and the rapid growth of digital gambling continues to threaten vulnerable households.

The situation highlights the need for stronger consumer protection and public‑health measures to curb the social damage caused by the expanding betting market.