The Paraná State Assembly receives a bill to create a week against gambling.

The Legislative Assembly of Paraná received Bill No. 118/2026, authored by state representative Cristina Silvestri (PP). The proposal establishes the State Week of Awareness about the Risks of Gambling in the official state calendar. The mobilization will be held annually during the week that includes February 17th, a date nationally recognized as the Day to Combat Pathological Gambling.

The parliamentarian justifies the initiative by citing the growth of betting platforms and the spread of this type of entertainment, especially in the digital environment. “In recent years, we have seen a significant increase in betting, mainly in the digital environment. It is essential that the public authorities also act to raise public awareness about the risks that this behavior can bring to mental health, financial life, and family relationships,” stated Cristina Silvestri.

The project aims to promote responsible gambling and prevent the population from becoming indebted. The proposal also warns about the dangers of compulsive gambling behaviors. According to the congresswoman, the popularization of this type of entertainment requires information and prevention from the public authorities. The text provides for the dissemination of guidance and psychological support channels for people in vulnerable situations or with dependency.

The initiative aims to broaden the public debate on the social, economic, and psychological impacts related to the uncontrolled practice of gambling. The proposal gains relevance given the growth of online betting in the country and the need to warn the population about the dangers of compulsive behaviors associated with gambling.

During the awareness week, awareness campaigns, lectures, seminars, workshops, and discussion groups may be held. The project also includes the distribution of educational materials in physical and digital formats. Activities may be developed in partnership with educational institutions, civil society organizations, public bodies, and the private sector.

The text establishes that the actions must be educational and preventative in nature. The proposal does not create mandatory expenses or new administrative responsibilities for the Executive Branch. The activities may be integrated into existing campaigns in the areas of health, education, social assistance, and consumer protection, subject to budgetary availability.

The project will proceed to the Constitution and Justice Committee and the thematic committees of the Legislative Assembly for analysis. After processing in the committees, if approved, it will be voted on in plenary by the state deputies. The proposal aims to reach the entire population of Paraná, especially people in vulnerable situations related to gambling.