Gambling addiction emerges as public health concern in Brazil

Gambling addiction, or ludopathy, is emerging as a significant public health issue in Brazil. A 27-year-old man in São José do Rio Preto recently lost his entire savings and lived on the streets for 24 days due to an addiction to online betting apps. He reported losing even a R$ 3,000 loan in an attempt to recover his previous losses.

In response to the rise of illegal gambling, the Civil Police in São José do Rio Preto conducted an operation on October 1, inspecting 32 establishments and seizing electronic equipment. Experts note that ludopathy is classified as a disease by the World Health Organization, functioning similarly to chemical dependency by triggering dopamine spikes in the brain.

According to the 2023 National Survey of Alcohol and Drugs, approximately 11 million people over the age of 14 in Brazil are affected by ludopathy. Warning signs include continuous preoccupation with gambling, increasing bet amounts, irritability when attempting to stop, and using gambling as an escape from emotional distress.