BETs: a spreading plague with lethal consequences
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1496Keywords:
online gambling, public health, behavioral addiction, adolescent health, Brazil, regulationAbstract
Online sports betting, commonly referred to as "BETs," has rapidly evolved into a public health issue in Brazil. Enabled by widespread access to smartphones and instant payment systems such as Pix, betting has become available anytime and anywhere. The illusion of opportunity and entertainment conceals an emerging mental health crisis, particularly among youth. Gambling disorder is recognized in the DSM-5 as an addictive disorder, sharing neurobiological mechanisms with substance dependence. The Brazilian context presents a particularly concerning scenario: weak regulation, aggressive marketing by betting platforms, and insufficient preparedness of public health services. As young people face financial hardship, depression, social isolation, and even suicidal ideation, the implementation of preventive and therapeutic responses becomes urgent. Drawing on neurobiological evidence related to the brain's reward circuitry and on international experiences, this narrative review advocates for integrated regulatory, educational, and healthcare policies to address online betting as a significant social determinant of health.
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