A new survey by AtlasIntel/Bloomberg Latam Pulse has quantified Brazilians’ concerns about online gambling. When asked whether “bets” bring more benefits or losses to society, 63.2% indicated that they bring only losses. Another 23.5% answered that losses outweigh benefits. Overall, 86.7% of Brazilians surveyed view online betting as more damaging than beneficial.
The optimistic outlook was hardly present. Only 0.5% of the respondents said that benefits prevail, with 0.1% believing that bets bring only benefits. Another 5.9% found benefits and losses equal, and 6.8% were unsure.
Blame Spreads Across Governments
The survey also suggests that public anger is turning into politics. When asked who was mainly responsible for the spread of online betting in Brazil, 35.3% named the Lula government. Similarly, 26.2% identified the Bolsonaro government as being responsible, and 11.8% blamed Congress. A further 13.7% mentioned nobody, and 10.3% were unsure.
For context, online betting expansion in Brazil did not start with the current administration. Fixed-odds sports betting was legalized in 2018, under the presidency of Michel Temer. Subsequently, Lula’s government took steps to regulate the sector, including the introduction of the framework for licensing, taxation, and supervision in 2023.
Debt Fears Shape the Debate
Household debt remains the top concern among Brazilians surveyed. Approximately 70.0% of respondents said that online betting has strongly contributed to family indebtedness in the country. Another 15.2% said it has done so “a little.”
Support for harsher measures against betting appears to be broad among respondents. For instance, 80% of the surveyed agreed completely that betting operators should pay higher taxes. Furthermore, 76% fully agreed that advertising by betting sites should be restricted. Lastly, 70% agreed completely that online betting should be prohibited.
Pressure Returns
The research findings come at a time of greater scrutiny that Brazil’s regulated betting market is facing. Lula has said he favors a national ban on online betting platforms, while any such move would require support from lawmakers.
Public health measures have also been developed by the government. In particular, it launched a centralized self-exclusion platform on Dec. 10, 2025. The system allows users to block access to authorized betting sites and make their CPF unavailable for new registrations and targeted betting ads.
Takeaways
For operators, the survey appears to highlight a reputational issue that cannot be solved by licensing alone. The industry can argue that regulation is better than the offshore sector. However, many Brazilians are judging the industry by debt, marketing pressure, and access by vulnerable groups.
Should the authorities fail to demonstrate visible limits, then the conversation may keep drifting from market rules to restriction.
