The president of the National Institute of Social Security (INSS), Alessandro Stefanutto, raised concerns about the impact of sports betting on the expenditures of the agency's beneficiaries. Following the release of data about a possible expenditure of about R$ 3 billion by people receiving Bolsa Família, a warning signal was triggered at INSS for financial risk among retirees and people with disabilities.
The INSS is responsible for the payment of social benefits to about 40 million Brazilians monthly. Many of these beneficiaries are retirees who, although they do not face the same food hardships as those receiving Bolsa Família, still have to manage a limited budget. Thus, any excessive spending can have significant consequences for their financial stability.
For many retirees, the monthly income is essential to cover basic expenses such as food and education for grandchildren. Stefanutto emphasizes that, for those earning an average of R$ 1,900, a significant allocation of resources to gambling can be harmful.
In this sense, it is crucial to understand whether these expenses compromise the financial health of the beneficiaries and to develop appropriate strategies to mitigate risks.
In light of this scenario, the INSS intends not only to observe the immediate effects but also to consider awareness and financial education campaigns for its audience. This could include everything from the production of educational materials to organizing workshops focused on personal financial management.
Stefanutto seeks to better understand the spending profile of the beneficiaries and, to this end, maintains contact with institutions such as the Central Bank and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The idea is to explore more deeply the financial behavior and the impacts of sports betting on the vulnerable populations served by the INSS.
These efforts aim not only to assess the current situation but also to establish solid foundations for preventive policies. This may include measures such as spending restrictions, financial counseling, and awareness actions that help beneficiaries better manage their resources.
The possibility that a portion of the resources intended for subsistence is used in risky ways continues to be analyzed. The INSS is committed to understanding how this phenomenon can affect the long-term economic security of the populations that depend on its benefits.
Although a definitive solution has not yet been found, Stefanutto and his team are working to ensure that the financial resources of the INSS beneficiaries are used in a way that guarantees their well-being and security, thus minimizing the impact of betting on family budgets.
Source: GMB
