Flávio Bolsonaro promises to prohibit the use of social program funds for gambling, but the measure is already in effect.
Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) included in his government program, filed with the Electoral Court this Thursday (August 13), the promise to prohibit the use of resources from federal social programs in betting houses. The measure, however, is already in effect in Brazil.
According to Exame's investigation, beneficiaries of Bolsa Família and the Continuous Benefit Payment (BPC) already have their registrations blocked on betting platforms authorized to operate in the country. The candidate's proposal, therefore, repeats an existing restriction.
Flávio's government program includes the following statement on page 33: "We will prohibit the use of social program funds for gambling, because money intended to put food on the table cannot be diverted to gambling establishments." The document also foresees awareness campaigns about the risks of debt from gambling and financial education initiatives through Caixa Econômica Federal (a Brazilian bank).
History of the restriction
In October 2025, the Ministry of Finance issued a regulation preventing beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família and BPC programs from registering with betting sites and thus placing bets with authorized companies. In November of the same year, Minister Luiz Fux partially reversed the measure through a court decision. Currently, however, the prohibition remains in effect, according to the ministry.
Magnho José, president of the Brazilian Legal Gaming Institute, stated that "today, no beneficiary of Bolsa Família or BPC can register on the platforms because they are blocked."
Current extent of the lockdown
Finance Minister Dario Durigan reported this Thursday (August 13th) that Brazil already has 5 million CPF numbers blocked for gambling. The number is divided into three groups: 3 million beneficiaries of Bolsa Família and BPC who have already gambled; 1,2 million people who voluntarily opted out of the system; and 800,000 participants in Novo Desenrola, a debt renegotiation program that requires the CPF to be blocked for 12 months as a condition of participation.
The Secretariat of Prizes and Bets maintains a database with the CPF numbers (Brazilian taxpayer ID numbers) of beneficiaries, which betting sites are required to consult. All users registered in the CadÚnico (Brazilian social welfare program) have their betting accounts blocked, according to the Ministry of Finance. Platforms must verify if the bettor is on the blocked list at the time of account opening, on the first daily access, and at least every 15 days across their entire customer base.
The restrictions comply with a precautionary decision by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and recommendations from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU). In 2024, the Attorney General's Office attempted to reverse the legal ruling, without success.
