Brazil Launches Telehealth Service For Gambling Addiction
Brasil.- March 10, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com Brazil’s Ministry of Health has launched a new telehealth service focused on gambling addiction, offering remote psychological support for individuals experiencing problems related to betting and gambling activities.
Overview
The initiative will operate through Brazil’s public healthcare system, the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), allowing individuals affected by gambling-related issues to receive professional mental health support through remote consultations.
The program was developed in partnership with the Sírio-Libanês Hospital and is part of a broader strategy to address the social and psychological impacts associated with the rapid expansion of betting activities, particularly in the online environment.
Initially, the program is expected to offer around 600 teleconsultations per month, expanding access to treatment for individuals who may face barriers in seeking in-person assistance.
Details / Context
Access to the service will be provided through the Meu SUS Digital application, which will serve as the primary entry point for individuals seeking support related to gambling addiction.
Within the platform, users will be able to complete a scientifically based self-assessment test designed to identify potential signs of gambling-related behavioral risks.
Depending on the results, the system may:
- Direct users to telehealth consultations
- Recommend in-person treatment within the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS)
- Provide educational content about prevention and mental health
The service is intended for individuals over 18 years old, as well as family members or support networks seeking guidance on how to deal with gambling-related problems.
How The Telehealth Program Works
Consultations are conducted via video calls, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. The treatment process may include up to 13 sessions per patient, depending on individual needs.
The care team includes a multidisciplinary group of professionals such as:
- Psychologists
- Occupational therapists
- Psychiatrists when required
The system also includes monitoring mechanisms and the possibility of referral to in-person treatment services within the public healthcare network when necessary.
National Strategy Against Problem Gambling
The telehealth program forms part of a broader government strategy aimed at addressing the social effects of gambling expansion in Brazil.
Complementary initiatives include:
- A Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform allowing users to block access to licensed betting platforms
- The creation of a Health Observatory for Electronic Betting, responsible for monitoring gambling-related public health indicators
- New clinical guidelines for treating gambling addiction within the national healthcare system
Future Outlook
According to the Ministry of Health, the main goal of the initiative is to expand access to treatment, since many individuals experiencing gambling problems often hesitate to seek help due to stigma, embarrassment or difficulty recognizing the issue.
By offering remote support through digital channels, the government aims to facilitate the first contact with healthcare services and strengthen the public mental health system in response to the challenges posed by the growing betting market.
🔗 Editó: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com