The Social Security and Family Committee of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies recently approved a significant legislative proposal to establish a "National Comprehensive Assistance Program for Gambling Disorder," aimed at providing free treatment and social support for gambling addicts through the Unified Health System (SUS), the Social Assistance System (SUAS), and the Psychosocial Care Network.
The bill, numbered 4583/24, was initially proposed by Rui Carneiro of the "We Can" (Podemos) party, and later an alternative version was presented by Laura Carneiro of the "Social Democratic Party-People's Party" (PSD). The new version eliminates the provision for establishing specialized treatment facilities, instead relying entirely on the existing public system to implement assistance, reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
The plan will include screening and treatment for addicts, public education, social reintegration programs, and specific prevention activities for adolescents. Carneiro emphasized that the bill not only focuses on the patients but also addresses the plight of their families, and suggested that future considerations should include allocating a portion of gambling revenues to support treatment efforts.
Currently, the bill still needs to be reviewed by the Health, Finance and Taxation, Constitutional and Justice committees, then submitted to the full Chamber of Deputies for debate, and finally enter the Senate review process. This legislation is seen as a key measure to strengthen public health protection in Brazil against the backdrop of legalized gambling.
