Brazilian Court Orders Betting Companies to Warn Against Using Social Benefits for Gambling
The Federal Court of São Paulo has mandated that licensed betting operators display clear warnings on their websites and advertisements about the risks and prohibition of using funds from social assistance programs like Bolsa Família and Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) for gambling purposes.
Reasons Behind the Court’s Decision
The ruling was issued by Judge Gabriel Hillen Albernaz Andrade on June 13, 2025, following a civil lawsuit filed by Educafro and the Mônica Paián Trevisan Center for the Defense of Children and Adolescents. Both organizations advocate for vulnerable families affected by aggressive online gambling advertising.
Key Provisions of the Ruling
- Mandatory warnings on betting websites and advertisements about the ban on using social benefits for gambling.
- Implementation of blocking mechanisms for individuals listed in the CadÚnico registry (Brazil’s unified database of low-income families).
- Provision of CPF (tax ID) data of benefit recipients to operators for automatic account restrictions.
Operators have been given 45 days to comply with the requirements.
The Role of the Government and Platforms
The federal government of Brazil is expected to provide licensed operators access to the CPF numbers of individuals enrolled in the Bolsa Família and BPC programs. This data is crucial to automatically restrict their participation in online betting.
The measure aims to protect millions from financial exploitation. According to Brazil’s Central Bank, nearly R$3 billion (approximately USD 545 million) from social benefits was transferred to online betting companies. This includes around 54 million families who receive support through Bolsa Família.
Educafro’s Statement
Frei David, Executive Director of Educafro, called the situation “unacceptable.” He criticized government inaction in protecting the most vulnerable, stating that certain practices “disguise exploitation as entertainment.”
“Companies are expected to fully comply with the court’s ruling, and the government must urgently establish effective policies that protect the poor instead of punishing them for their poverty,” he said.
Social Impact
Online betting is becoming increasingly accessible in Brazil, but this comes with serious risks—especially for those who rely on public assistance. Programs meant to cover essentials like food, medicine, and housing are being jeopardized as funds are diverted to gambling.
Court Mandates at a Glance
| Measure | Description | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Website and Ad Warnings | Inform users that social benefits cannot be used for betting | 45 days |
| Account Blocking | Automatic restriction of users registered in CadÚnico via CPF | Once data is provided by the government |
| Data Sharing | Provide CPF details of benefit recipients to operators | As soon as possible |
What’s Next?
All licensed platforms must implement these compliance mechanisms. If enforced properly by both the courts and the government, this ruling could mark a significant step in combating financial vulnerability and protecting citizens from exploitation through online gambling.
Brazil’s case highlights the importance of regulating the intersection between public assistance and industries with the potential to cause harm. The success of this initiative will depend on the integrity and cooperation of both operators and state institutions.