Tarcísio de Freitas, the incumbent governor of São Paulo and a candidate for re-election, has recently called for a ban on gambling in Brazil, characterizing it as a pressing public health issue. During a debate at the Union of Hospitals, Clinics and Laboratories of São Paulo (SindHosp), he expressed concern over the explosive growth of online betting platforms, stating, “Either Brazil ends betting, or betting ends Brazil. We have to understand that this is a health problem.”
De Freitas contends that the rise of online gambling has transformed the landscape into one of the largest markets globally, yet he believes this shift poses significant risks beyond mere entertainment. He compares the current situation to the historical fight against smoking, underscoring that gambling addiction should be treated as a medical issue requiring specialized care.
He associates the growth of gambling with increased debt levels in Brazilian households, asserting that "20% of Brazilians' income is committed to gambling," although he did not specify the source of this figure. In response, Tarcísio advocates for a national program focused on treating gambling addiction, emphasizing the need for robust and accessible resources. “We were effective in getting people off tobacco,” he noted, questioning whether similar success could be achieved against addiction to gambling.
The issue of online betting has escalated into a moral, social, and political debate in Brazil. Tarcísio's views mirror recent criticisms voiced by President Lula, indicating a growing political consensus against the practice. Representatives from the gambling sector have acknowledged that they will face increased scrutiny as the election campaign intensifies. Plínio Lemos Jorge, president of the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL), commented on the resilience the industry will need to maintain during these challenging times, suggesting that “after this turbulent period, the market tends to become less of a target for criticism.”
