São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has joined calls to end betting in Brazil. He argues that the rapid growth of online gambling has become a public health concern.
Tarcísio de Freitas, who is seeking re-election as governor of São Paulo, called for an end to betting during the “Health Dialogues” debate. The event was held at the Union of Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories of São Paulo (SindHosp).
Speaking during the event, Tarcísio said Brazil must address the growing impact of online betting. He also warned that gambling addiction requires the same level of attention as other public health issues.
“Either Brazil ends betting, or betting ends Brazil. We have to understand that this is a health problem,” Tarcísio said.
His comments add another prominent political voice to the growing criticism of sports betting in Brazil. The country has developed into one of the world’s largest betting markets following the rapid expansion of online platforms. However, Tarcísio argues that betting has moved beyond entertainment and now requires an urgent public health response.
Tarcísio Compares Gambling Addiction With Smoking
Tarcísio has repeatedly compared the challenges posed by online gambling with Brazil’s previous efforts to reduce smoking.
The governor said gambling addiction should receive treatment as an illness. Additionally, he called for the state to provide specialised support for people affected by excessive betting.
“We were effective in getting people off tobacco,” he said. “And so the question is: will we be able to be effective in freeing people from drugs?”
He argued that the country now faces challenges similar to those it encountered when tackling tobacco addiction. However, he added that the current situation could prove even more difficult.
As a result, Tarcísio is advocating for a robust, accessible and digitalised national programme. The program should focus on the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction.
Governor Cites Unverified Gambling Data
Tarcísio also linked the growth of online betting to rising levels of household debt in Brazil.
According to the governor, 20% of Brazilians’ income is committed to gambling. However, he did not identify the source of the figure or provide supporting evidence.
Therefore, the claim should be treated with caution until independent or official data confirms it.
Nevertheless, Tarcísio used the issue to strengthen his argument for greater government intervention. In his view, the financial consequences of gambling addiction extend beyond individual bettors. They can also place additional pressure on households and public services.
Online Betting Becomes an Election Issue
The debate over online gambling in Brazil has increasingly moved beyond economics and regulation. Instead, it is becoming a broader social, political and electoral issue.
Tarcísio’s latest comments echo criticism from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. He has also spoken out about the potential social consequences of betting.
With the election campaign approaching, gambling operators and industry representatives expect the sector to face increased political scrutiny. Consequently, responsible gambling, consumer protection and the social impact of betting could become increasingly prominent campaign topics.
Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), previously acknowledged that the industry would likely face criticism. He noted this could happen during the election period.
“The industry will have to remain resilient during this period,” Lemos Jorge said in a recent conversation with iGaming Business.
He added that the market could become less of a political target once the election-related turbulence subsides.
Brazil’s Betting Industry Faces Growing Political Pressure
Tarcísio’s position adds to the growing political pressure surrounding Brazil’s regulated betting market. While the country has established a regulatory framework for fixed-odds betting, concerns over gambling addiction, household finances and consumer protection continue to shape the political debate.
For operators, the latest comments highlight the importance of responsible gambling measures as political scrutiny increases.
As Brazil heads towards another election cycle, the industry may face further calls for tighter restrictions or even a ban. This makes the future direction of the country’s betting market an increasingly important political issue.
