Brazilian social welfare recipients’ spending on online betting raises social concerns

Beneficiaries of Bolsa Família, the Federal Government’s primary social welfare, are reportedly using aid money for online betting.

While Bolsa Família is intended to support low-income families with essential expenses such as food, education and healthcare, some recipients have redirected funds to fixed-odds betting platforms. This issue has gained attention against the backdrop of Brazil’s rapidly expanding online gambling sector.

According to recent estimates from the Ministry of Finance, online betting platforms in Brazil generate between BR20bn and BR30bn ($5.28bn) in turnover each month. 

Good to know: In August 2024 alone, Bolsa Família beneficiaries reportedly transferred BR3bn to online betting platforms, involving approximately 5 million individuals, according to Brazil’s Central Bank

The Government has instituted restrictions designed to try to mitigate social risks, prohibiting individuals under the age of 18, public officials involved in regulatory bodies, employees of betting companies, and individuals diagnosed with gambling addiction from participating in betting activities.

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