Brazil sees surge in gambling addiction and debt amid World Cup betting boom

During the 2024 World Cup, the share of Brazilians who placed bets rose sharply from 11% before the tournament to 34.8% – roughly one in three people – after intensive advertising. Average wager amounts increased from R$188 to R$272 during the competition and reached R$524 after a match involving the national team.

Between 10.9 million and 12.7 million Brazilians now show risky gambling behavior. Mental‑health visits linked to gambling rose 140% over five years, prompting a new care line in the public health system. More than 574 000 people have asked for self‑exclusion, and 41% say they have lost control over their gambling.

Monthly transfers to betting platforms total about R$30 billion, according to the Central Bank. In August 2024, roughly 5 million Bolsa Família recipients moved R$3 billion to betting sites – about 20% of the program’s monthly budget. Economists note that 44% of indebted Brazilians turn to gambling to try to settle debts. Psychologist Getúlio Souza warned that gambling “reduces engagement in activities that once gave pleasure, leading to social withdrawal,” while economist Heldo Siqueira said the activity “is not an economic activity because returns are not systematic.”

Critics argue that betting does not generate wealth, increases household indebtedness, strains the health system, and concentrates revenue abroad, calling for a ban on betting advertisements in Brazil.