Key Moments:
- Approximately 40 million Brazilian consumers participated in online betting or gaming over the past 12 months
- Sports betting attracted 54% of bettors, with a notable proportion engaging weekly or more often
- Debt and financial strain emerged as significant issues, with 29% of respondents having credit agencies list them due to gambling
Widespread Participation in Online Gambling
A recent survey conducted by the Confederação Nacional de Dirigentes Lojistas (CNDL) and Serviço de Proteção ao Crédito (SPC Brasil), in collaboration with Offerwise Pesquisas, found that around 40 million individuals in Brazil engaged in online betting or gaming during the past year. Shared exclusively with journalist Miriam Leitão’s blog on O Globo, the study presents a detailed look at the swift rise of online gambling, along with its economic and social impacts.
Betting Habits and Popular Games
Sports betting remains the predominant choice among participants, drawing in 54% of those surveyed, the majority of whom are men. Among online casino-style games, slots lead with 28%, followed by roulette at 22%, and slot machines at 20%.
The survey also explored the reasons behind gambling participation: 35% cited curiosity, 22% were motivated by the prospect of easy money, and another 22% sought out excitement or entertainment. Regarding frequency, 24% of respondents reported betting weekly, 18% did so two to three times a week, and 11% placed bets daily.
| Type of Bet/Game | Percentage of Bettors |
|---|---|
| Sports Betting | 54% |
| Slots | 28% |
| Roulette | 22% |
| Slot Machines | 20% |
Payment Methods and Expenditure Patterns
The report highlights that Pix, Brazil’s instant payment system, accounted for 76% of gambling-related transactions, while credit cards were used for 11%. The average monthly outlay on betting reached BRL 187 (roughly USD 33), and this amount rose to BRL 255 (USD 45) among higher-income participants in classes A and B.
Notably, 19% of gamblers indicated that their betting expenditures impacted their household budgets. In addition, 41% reported reducing other spending to make room for gambling, most commonly at the expense of eating out (15%), internet services (12%), groceries (12%), and family outings (10%).
Financial Consequences of Gambling
Seventeen percent of all respondents disclosed that gambling led them to miss bill payments, and 29% said their names were negatively listed with credit agencies because of gambling-driven debt. Currently, 17% remain affected by these listings.
The research further reported that 28% of bettors have taken or considered measures to obtain money for gambling, including loans (17%), salary advances (8%), and even selling personal or family assets without consent (7%).
Issues of Addiction and Help-Seeking
Indicators of problematic gambling behavior were prevalent. In total, 37% acknowledged unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop their betting activities, yet only 21% of these individuals reached out for support. Among those who did seek help, the primary resources included churches, relatives or friends, and various health professionals.
José César da Costa, president of the CNDL, stated: “The results of this research raise an urgent alert about the consequences of the uncontrolled growth of online betting in Brazil. The high levels of debt, the replacement of essential expenses with gambling, and the serious impact on mental health show that this ‘entertainment’ is becoming a social and economic problem. Regulation must prioritize consumer protection, especially for youth and families, and not just revenue.”
Growing Demand for Regulatory Measures
The study clearly underscores the escalating need for comprehensive regulation in Brazil’s online betting industry. With regular participation from millions, the findings point to a pressing need for balance in the sector – promoting responsible entertainment and innovation alongside protections that address both financial and psychological risks for consumers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
