Belo Horizonte Launches Policy To Prevent And Treat Gambling And Betting Addiction

Brazil.– January 26, 2026 – www.zonadeazar.com The Brazilian city has announced a comprehensive plan to address gambling disorder, combining prevention, treatment and education for at-risk populations.

Overview

The municipality of Belo Horizonte unveiled a new policy aimed at preventing and addressing problematic gambling and online betting behaviors. This initiative places the city at the forefront of public health responses to the risks associated with expanded access to digital betting platforms.

Officials described the program as a comprehensive approach, integrating preventive strategies, therapeutic support and public awareness efforts.

Details / Context

The policy includes support services for individuals with gambling-related harm, training for healthcare professionals, and awareness campaigns targeting youth and other vulnerable groups. Authorities noted that increased exposure to online gaming and betting has elevated the importance of structured public responses.

Coordination among health, education and social services departments is a cornerstone of the plan, reflecting a holistic approach to community well-being.

Strategic Focus Areas

A key focus of the policy is early prevention, incorporating community education, teacher training and emotional support programs. The plan also aims to build networks of support linking public services with civil society organizations.

This initiative aligns with global best practices for responsible gaming and may serve as a reference for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

Future Outlook

Belo Horizonte’s new policy could set a benchmark for responsible governance in addressing gambling-related harm. Sustained implementation and periodic evaluation will be essential to measure the impact and guide future efforts in other municipalities considering integrated public health strategies.

🔗 Edited by: @_fonta www.zonadeazar.com