Health Minister defends restrictions on betting advertising and compares addiction to cigarettes.
The Minister of Health, Alexandre Padilha, defended the adoption of restrictions on online gambling advertising . He participated this Thursday (April 9th) in the program Alô Alô Brasil, presented by José Luiz Datena on Rádio Nacional. Padilha compared gambling addiction to the problem previously faced with cigarettes.
The minister argued that betting platforms represent a public health problem. He highlighted the need to limit the population's exposure to betting advertising , especially children and adolescents.
"For me today, the problem of betting is an addiction problem on the same scale as the cigarette problem. Cigarettes had advertising aimed at children, sports advertising. Formula 1 was practically entirely driven by the cigarette industry," said the minister.
Padilha drew a parallel with the experience of regulating cigarette advertising. "It was a struggle we had, and it had a positive impact in reducing cigarette use," he stated.
The government has implemented measures to combat problems related to online gambling . The suspension of any gambling advertising aimed at children and teenagers is among the actions taken.
The Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) offers a free telehealth program. Psychologists and occupational therapists provide support to people with gambling addiction.
The self-exclusion program allows citizens to simultaneously block all accounts on betting websites. The block covers platforms authorized by the Prizes and Betting Secretariat of the Ministry of Finance.
The Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital) came into effect last month. The legislation establishes requirements for digital platforms to protect children. The measures include age verification for opening accounts, immediate removal of illegal content, and protection of personal data for commercial and advertising purposes.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed concern about the impact of gambling on Brazilian families. In an interview with ICL Notícias on Wednesday (April 8), he stated that he would end gambling, but acknowledged that the decision rests with the National Congress.
"Today, the casino is inside your home, with your 10-year-old son, your 11-year-old grandson, your granddaughter, and your daughter, using their father's cell phone, who is against gambling, spending unnecessary money, enriching the bettors ," said Lula.
