Research shows 19% compromising their income and 41% cutting expenses to maintain their gambling habit
Research carried out by CNDL (National Confederation of Retail Managers) and SPC (Credit Protection Service) Brazil, in partnership with Offerwise, shows that 39.5 million Brazilians paid for at least one bet or online game in the last 12 months.
The (PDF – 48 kB), released on Wednesday (5.Nov.2025), shows that the advancement of digital betting platforms has a direct impact on family budgets. Among those interviewed who bet, 19% admitted having spent amounts that compromised their income, which is equivalent to around 7.5 million people.
Furthermore, 41% said they had given up some consumption to continue betting. The main expenses sacrificed were eating out (15%), internet (12%), supermarket (12%) and family outings (10%).
The survey also shows that 17% stopped paying a bill because of online gambling and 29% have already had their name negative, with 17% remaining in this condition. The frequency of betting is high: 24% play weekly, 18% two to three times a week and 11% bet every day.
Pix is the most used payment method (76%), followed by credit cards (11%). The declared average monthly expenditure is R$187, reaching R$255 among consumers in classes A and B.
Sports betting leads among types of games (54%), especially among men. In casino games, slots (28%), roulette (22%) and slot machines (20%) stand out.
The research also points to effects beyond the budget: 28% report negative impacts on their personal lives, such as irritation, debt, family conflicts and anxiety or depression. 7% report loss of productivity at work or studies.
Even so, 37% tried to reduce or stop betting, but were unable to do so. Only 21% sought help.
The survey was carried out from June 13 to 25, 2025. 1,094 people aged 18 or over who made purchases online in the last 12 months were interviewed. The confidence interval is 95%. The margin of error is 2.96 percentage points, plus or minus.
According to data provided by the Federal Revenue on October 23, the government (PT) spent R$6.85 billion from January to September 2025 with gambling and betting houses.
