Ludopatia: entenda causas e impactos do vício em apostas

Sociologist Francisco Borba Ribeiro Neto identified three primary drivers behind the rise of gambling addiction, or ludopathy, in Brazil. According to a report by Canção Nova, the growth of online betting platforms has led to an increase in debt and financial loss across society.

Ribeiro Neto attributed the phenomenon to technological advances that allow gambling via smartphones, removing the need for physical travel and social interaction. He noted that live betting has shortened the time between a stimulus and a reward to just a few seconds.

The sociologist also cited economic and advertising factors. Betting companies spent R$2.3 billion on media between January and August 2024, representing between 5% and 13% of the national advertising market. These companies often use football and content creators to reach audiences, paying five to ten times more than traditional advertising campaigns. Government data from January to September of last year showed approximately 25 million active bettors, which accounts for 12% of the Brazilian population.