Mato Grosso Advances Bill Targeting Gambling Addiction Amid National Surge in Treatment Demand

A legislative committee in Brazil’s Mato Grosso state has moved forward with a proposal to create a dedicated public program aimed at combating gambling addiction. The Health, Welfare and Social Assistance Committee of the State Legislative Assembly (ALMT) gave a favorable opinion to Bill 106/2024 during its latest session, one of 16 health-related measures reviewed.

The proposed State Program to Combat Sports Betting, Casino and Gambling Addiction would focus on prevention, support and treatment for individuals affected by problem gambling. The committee noted the issue has become more pressing as sports betting and online casino platforms expand across Brazil.

That expansion aligns with a significant rise in demand for care. Brazil’s Ministry of Health reported an almost 140% increase in requests for mental health services tied to online gambling addiction within the public healthcare system (SUS) over the past five years.

The same committee session also approved Complementary Bill 58/2025, which restructures the State Health Council’s composition and operations, updating prior legislation under Substitute Text No. 2. Other measures advanced included a bill to incorporate treatment dropout monitoring into the State Mental Health Program and another expanding the role of occupational therapists in Psychosocial Care Centers.

Separately, the Ministry of Health has launched a free online training program on gambling addiction treatment and prevention, developed in partnership with the country’s leading public health, science and technology institution.