Brazil's public healthcare system (SUS) will now treat gambling addiction via telehealth; see how to request it.
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Ministry of Health announced that psychologists and psychiatrists will be available at SUS to help those with gambling addictions, with support from Syrian Lebanese HospitalThe entire care process is confidential, and family members and support network members of the person undergoing treatment can also receive guidance on how to best navigate this process. See the details:
Spending at betting sites in Brazil
A study released at the end of 2025 found that spending on gambling establishments cost the country R$ 38,8 billion. This amount represents a sum of damages to society, such as suicides, unemployment, healthcare costs, and time off work. See the detailed costs:
- R$ 17 billion in additional deaths due to suicide;
- R$ 10,4 billion due to loss of quality of life caused by depression;
- R$ 3 billion in medical treatments for depression;
- R$ 2,1 billion in unemployment insurance;
- R$ 4,7 billion spent on incarceration for criminal activity;
- R$ 1,3 billion relates to housing loss.
Of the total amount of R$ 38,8 billion, 78,8% of the expenses are related to health, raising concerns about how betting sites can cause significant harm to the personal lives not only of those who gamble, but also of those with whom the person comes into contact on a daily basis.
The same study also revealed that online betting sites do not have a positive impact on the Brazilian economy, with the sector representing only 1.144 formal jobs. In terms of income, researchers estimate that, for every R$ 291 in revenue obtained by these companies, only R$ 1 translates into formal wages.
It is worth noting that 84% of workers in the betting industry did not contribute to social security in 2024, while the average for the Brazilian economy was 36%, according to the Continuous National Household Sample Survey. Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE).
With the money lost in betting houses in Brazil, the Federal government This could expand the 2024 budget for the housing program. My home, my life by 26% or increase investment in Family Bag 2024 at 23%.
How does the treatment work?
Developed in partnership with Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz)A treatment process is underway to assist people harmed by online gambling. It involves psychologists and occupational therapists and operates through video calls of up to 45 minutes, conducted with the patient alone or with a support group or family members, if necessary. The initiative also has the support of... Syrian-Lebanese Hospitalthrough the Program to Support the Institutional Development of the Unified Health System (Proadi-SUS).
The so-called "structured care cycles" can include up to 13 appointments per patient, with the entire care process paid for by the healthcare provider. Ministry of Health by means of SUSInitially, the plan is to conduct 600 online consultations per month, with the possibility of increasing this capacity depending on demand. Ministry of Health It confirms that the goal is to reach 100 consultations per month throughout Brazil. The service will be directed towards people over 18 years of age or who present... compulsion for gambling, in addition to family and support network.
How to access
The entire process, from initiating service, takes place via the app. My SUS And you need to have an account. Gov.BR. See the step by step:
Step 01: install the My Digital SUS on your Android smartphone Google Play or on iPhone via App Store.
Step 02: Open the app and then log in to your account. Gov.BRUse the same login credentials you use to access other federal systems and applications. Enter your CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID) and password in the requested fields.
If your account is connected to another mobile phone, you may need to enter a six-digit access code.
Step 03With your account logged into the app, access the section Applications.
Step 04: scroll down to “Problems with gambling?and tap on this option.
Step 05: tap Access to begin self-diagnosis.
Next, simply take the self-test, marking the alternatives according to those you most identify with. At the end, with the result, according to the Federal Government's statement, "If the result indicates moderate or high risk, referral to telehealth is automatic. In cases of lower risk, the application advises seeking the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS), which includes everything from Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) to Basic Health Units (UBS)."
Those needing assistance can also contact professionals by calling 136, via telephone support, through a form, WhatsApp, or the chatbot on the website. Ministry of HealthAll information follows the standards of General Law on Data Protection (LGPD).
The app itself My Digital SUS It also includes content to help those who may be experiencing problems due to gambling addiction, showing how this can impact the mental health of the addict, their support network, and family members.
Self-exclusion service for bets
The system Self-exclusion from the Prizes and Betting Secretariat (SPA-MF), linked to Ministry of Finance, is a centralized tool of Federal government facing the Responsible GamingThe main goal is to help people who feel that gambling is negatively affecting their lives or causing financial and emotional problems.
Basically, when accessing the platform and logging in with your Gov.BR account (you need to have level Silver ou GoldBy doing so, you can block your CPF (Brazilian taxpayer ID) from being used to create accounts (including your own) on betting sites, as a way to prevent its widespread use across all platforms. authorized betting sites through the Federal Government. This freeze can be chosen for a period of 1 to 12 months or indefinitely.
During the process, you can choose whether you want the freeze to last for a specific period of time. determinado ou indeterminateThe minimum period of leave guaranteed by the system is 1 (one) month, providing an opportunity for reflection and regaining control.
The page also encourages citizens to seek support from the public health network, such as Basic Health Units (UBS) and Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), if they feel that gambling has become an addiction or is harming their mental health. See the step-by-step instructions to prevent your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) from being registered to betting accounts:
Step 01: go to platform and log in with your Gov.BR account.
Step 02You will need to grant access to your data to the Service: SIGAP – Blocked Users Module. By agreeing, click the blue button below. Authorize.
Step 03On the next screen, simply choose the length of time your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) will be blocked from being used in betting accounts, and state the reason for this. After selecting the option, click [button name/icon]. Advance.
Step 04Then, you will need to agree to two terms: one for use and another for privacy. If you agree, check both boxes to indicate your acceptance. After that, click again on... Advance.
Step 05Finally, confirm your self-exclusion by checking two more boxes and clicking on Confirm self-exclusion.
Step 06You will need to confirm the process again by checking the box. Yes.
Step 07: Finally, a screen will appear confirming that your CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) is blocked from being used in betting accounts.
O Ministry of Finance This indicates that the process may take up to 72 hours to be completed.
So, what did you think of the tools to prevent Brazilians from incurring debt with betting sites? Tell us in the comments! Comment!
See also other features
With some info: Agency Brazil (1, and 2)l Ministry of Finance
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