Councillor Raiff Matos authored the bill creating Municipal Week for Confronting Betting and Games of Chance Addiction. Fifteen fellow lawmakers backed the proposal during voting. It passed through Manaus City Council and now sits on Mayor David Almeida’s desk awaiting final approval.
The measure targets growing gambling problems in Brazil’s Amazonas capital. Local authorities say online betting addiction has increased faster than families and public institutions can handle. The rapid escalation caught many residents off guard.
Matos and his supporting councillors represent districts across the city. They’ve heard directly from constituents struggling with gambling-related issues.
Why Manaus Decided to Act on Betting Problems
Gambling behaviour starts as casual fun but quickly turns into financial and emotional dependence, according to the bill’s justification. The transformation happens faster than most people expect.
“This problem is destroying families across Brazil,” Matos said. “In Manaus, many parents are desperate to see their children trapped in this addiction. People are losing money and failing to pay basic bills.”
The issue affects both young people and adults across the city. Many skip essential expenses to fund betting habits. Matos stressed that residents still feel ashamed or afraid to discuss gambling harms publicly. That silence makes the problem worse.
The city can’t ignore the social impact of betting platforms anymore, he argued. Online gambling’s accessibility has changed how addiction develops.
What the Awareness Week Will Include
The initiative brings educational campaigns, workshops and public discussions to Manaus residents. These programs will inform people about the risks of uncontrolled gambling behaviour. Organisers plan multiple activities throughout the designated week.
Schools, health services and community associations will identify early warning signs. They’ll also promote preventive measures and connect families with resources. Teachers and healthcare workers will receive specific guidance on recognising problem gambling.
The proposal seeks to provide structured guidance and community support. It creates space for dialogue so families can better understand the risks and seek help when needed. Public venues across Manaus will host events.
How This Changes Manaus’s Approach to Gambling
Manaus has chosen to confront the problem directly rather than avoid it. The city now addresses gambling addiction as a public health concern requiring open discussion and coordinated response.
Matos emphasised that facing the issue openly is essential. Reducing shame around gambling problems helps more people come forward for support. The awareness week gives families permission to talk about struggles they’ve kept private.
The measure responds to an escalating situation that local families have struggled to manage alone. Parents often don’t know how to intervene when children develop betting habits. Public institutions now have a framework for coordinated action across schools, health services and community groups.
Brazil is also debating a new 15% tax on online wagers at the federal level. That discussion runs parallel to Manaus’s local prevention efforts.
