The gambling industry is rapidly "devouring" the wallets of Brazilians. According to the latest disclosure by the Central Bank of Brazil, the total monthly betting amount of Brazilians on gambling games has reached a scale of 30 billion Brazilian reais.
Meanwhile, banks have started to regard gambling behavior as an important indicator of credit risk, affecting loan interest rates and financial credit.
Total monthly betting amount reaches 30 billion Brazilian reais
At the hearing held by the "Gambling Industry Congressional Investigation Committee" (CPI das Bets) of the Brazilian Federal Senate, the Central Bank disclosed the latest statistical data on the gambling industry.
According to Rogério Lucca, the Executive Secretary of the Central Bank, the current monthly expenditure of Brazilians on online gambling activities has risen from an early estimate of 20 billion Brazilian reais to about 30 billion Brazilian reais.
He pointed out that since January 2025, the gambling industry has been subject to stricter regulation, and relevant institutions have been required to open special accounts in the banking system, allowing the Central Bank to more clearly track the flow of funds. "The statistical data from January to March this year shows that the betting amount of Brazilians on gambling vehicles has stabilized between 20 and 30 billion Brazilian reais per month."
Banks view gambling behavior as a credit "warning light"
In addition to the sharp rise in the total amount of bets, the impact of gambling on personal financial credit is of greater concern.
Gabriel Galípolo, the president of the Central Bank of Brazil, also pointed out at the hearing that banks have incorporated gambling behavior into risk assessment criteria when approving personal loans and analyzing credit.
That is to say, if users are identified as frequently participating in gambling activities, they will face higher loan interest rates or stricter credit reviews when applying for loans.
"Banks consider these customers to have a higher risk of default, and therefore increase the cost of borrowing," Galípolo said.
Financial concerns behind the gambling craze
In Brazil, gambling platforms have rapidly expanded in recent years, from sports betting and online slot machines to lottery live broadcasts, attracting a large number of young Brazilian users and low-income groups.
Although the industry is gradually being incorporated into the regulatory framework, its impact on consumption habits, debt capacity, and mental health still raises concerns across all sectors of society.
The convening of the Congressional Investigation Committee on the gambling industry by the Brazilian Congress is precisely to deeply assess the impact of the gambling industry and promote more comprehensive regulatory policies.
The compliance of funds on gambling platforms, user protection mechanisms, and protection of minors will also become the focus of subsequent discussions.
The craze for gambling may seem like the rise of entertainment consumption on the surface, but behind it lies increasingly severe financial risks.
When personal consumption habits begin to affect credit ratings and loan conditions, gambling is no longer just a "private choice," but a behavior pattern that the entire financial system needs to be wary of.
