Instituto de Apoio ao Apostador
Instituto de Apoio ao Apostador (IAA) is a Brazilian non-profit institution dedicated to providing free, professional support to individuals and families affected by compulsive gambling (ludopathy). Operating primarily through online support groups and individual counseling sessions conducted by specialized professionals, the organization emphasizes anonymity, empathy, and long-term recovery. With over 20,000 individual consultations per year and support for more than 4,000 families, IAA positions itself as one of the few specialized gambling addiction services in Brazil. The institute also runs awareness campaigns and has partnered with betting operator Daniel Fortune on the “Jornada da Liberdade” project, which combines mental health and financial recovery. IAA relies entirely on donations to maintain its free services and has a growing public presence through its website and Instagram, though it maintains a deliberately low profile regarding its internal governance and leadership.
Detailed Review
Services and Approach
Instituto de Apoio ao Apostador (IAA) offers a comprehensive, free-of-charge support system for gambling addiction, including weekly online support groups, individual therapy sessions, and financial counseling. All services are delivered by qualified professionals, and participant anonymity is strictly protected. The organization’s website (iaapostador.org) serves as the primary portal for information and contact, while Instagram (@ia.apostador) is used for outreach and awareness campaigns.
Notable Initiatives
A flagship program is the “Jornada da Liberdade” (Journey to Freedom) project, launched in partnership with betting operator Daniel Fortune. This structured multi-week program integrates mental health treatment with financial recovery, addressing both the psychological and economic dimensions of gambling addiction. The institute also produces educational content and participates in public debates on responsible gambling policies in Brazil.
Scale and Impact
As of early 2026, IAA reports having conducted over 20,000 individual consultations and supported more than 4,000 families. These figures indicate a significant reach given the organization’s recent founding and reliance on donations. Despite this impact, IAA has not disclosed its founding year, headquarters location, employee count, or leadership structure. No formal team or executive page exists on its website, and no press articles have named specific founders or C-level executives.
Transparency and Governance
The only associated professional identified is Sarah Moreno, who describes herself on LinkedIn as “Offshore Manager | Client Representative” and states she supports the IAA directorate in strategic planning and internal process organization. However, she does not hold a confirmed C-level role. This lack of transparency may raise questions for some stakeholders, but IAA’s focus remains on service delivery rather than corporate branding. The institute has received positive attention for its free, accessible support and its partnership with industry operators, positioning it as a key player in Brazil’s responsible gambling ecosystem.
Key Products
Free Online Support Groups
Weekly group sessions conducted by specialized professionals via online platforms, ensuring anonymity and accessibility for individuals and families affected by gambling addiction.
Individual Therapy and Financial Counseling
One-on-one sessions with therapists and financial advisors to address the personal and economic impacts of compulsive gambling.
Jornada da Liberdade (Journey to Freedom) Project
A structured multi-week program combining mental health support with financial recovery, launched in partnership with betting operator Daniel Fortune.
Educational Content and Awareness Campaigns
Videos, social media posts, and public talks aimed at preventing gambling addiction and informing the public about its risks.