Tarcísio de Freitas Calls for an End to Betting in Brazil
Brazil.- 20 August 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com São Paulo Governor Tarcísio de Freitas has hardened his stance on the expansion of online betting, arguing that Brazil should move towards ending the activity.
Speaking during a healthcare-focused debate, he said betting was no longer merely an economic or entertainment phenomenon and should instead be treated as a public-health issue.
Stronger Position Against Betting
Tarcísio argued that Brazil is facing a situation requiring an urgent response from public authorities.
The governor warned that the country should bring betting to an end before its social and health consequences become even more significant.
His comments place him among a growing number of prominent Brazilian politicians adopting an increasingly critical position towards the sector.
Public Health and Addiction
The comments were made during the Diálogos da Saúde event at the Union of Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories of São Paulo State (SindHosp).
Tarcísio said gambling addiction should be treated as an illness and that the state needs specific mechanisms to provide care.
He advocated for the creation of a robust, accessible and digitised national programme focused on supporting people affected by gambling-related problems.
Comparison with Tobacco
Tarcísio again compared the current betting challenge with public policies implemented over several decades to reduce tobacco consumption.
He argued that anti-smoking policies demonstrated that behaviour can be changed through prevention, treatment and sustained public intervention.
However, he suggested that digital betting may pose an even greater challenge because of its constant availability through mobile devices.
Statements
Tarcísio de Freitas summarised his position with a direct warning that Brazil must either end betting or risk betting causing serious harm to the country.
The governor said Brazil needs to recognise that the rapid growth of gambling now represents a health problem.
He also called for specific and accessible treatment for people who develop problematic gambling behaviour.
Unverified Figure
During his remarks, Tarcísio also linked the growth of betting with rising household debt.
The governor claimed that around 20% of Brazilians’ income is committed to gambling.
However, he did not provide a source for the figure, meaning it should not be treated as verified data.
Gambling Moves into the Electoral Debate
Tarcísio’s comments come as online betting takes on an increasingly prominent political and electoral role in Brazil.
The governor is seeking re-election in São Paulo, while criticism of gambling has also emerged from other nationally significant political figures.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has likewise raised concerns on several occasions regarding the economic and social impact associated with betting.
Industry Response
Industry associations expect gambling to remain a target of political criticism during the election period.
Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), recently said the industry would need to remain resilient during this period of heightened political pressure.
The regulated sector therefore faces the challenge of defending the legal market amid concerns over addiction, household debt, advertising and consumer protection.
Next Steps or Impact
Tarcísio’s comments do not currently represent a formal legislative proposal to prohibit betting in Brazil.
However, they mark a significant escalation in the political debate surrounding the regulated market and could increase pressure on operators and regulators during the electoral cycle.
At the same time, his proposal for a national mental health programme focused on gambling addiction introduces another important issue: how Brazil should combine economic regulation with dedicated prevention and treatment policies.
Editó: @fonta
