As I write this column, much is being discussed in Brazilian parliaments about the regulation of sports betting, clearly Brazil is experiencing the most delicate moment in terms of the scenario of how the new face of regulated gambling will be seen by the industry/bettors.
However, in a very shallow way, not to say null, I don't see a very important topic being discussed, albeit controversial, which could also be being expanded in this scenario of endless discussions, which is Mental Health.
In order to address this issue, I first need to separate the wheat from the chaff, that is, tell my reader what the technical difference is between the aspects discussed so far.
Right off the bat, I need to tell you that if you think that Sports Betting, Lottery Games, Casino, Poker, Bingo and derivatives are in the same bag, you are completely wrong. The industry itself can even treat this as entertainment (and I agree), but deep down, they are completely different things, and here is a basic question that separates all of this.
How many people, demonstrably LIVE (are professionals, feed families, etc.), with Bingo? With the Casino? With the Lottery? There is no professionalism in a game of chance (not among the players), only by those who ARE part of the industry, as it obviously generates a huge amount of jobs.
And how many people are professionals in Sportsbook or Poker? Or, Financial Trading, for example?
Many, obviously, not the majority (let's say the overwhelming minority is), but there are still, because there are proven methods for doing so (and we'll talk about that later in this same space).
My point is, TREAT everything the same is the first step back in general understanding of player mental health. Obviously, losing money has negative consequences, addiction (wherever it is), brings damage, but mainly the LACK of education (in an educational sense, it's even worse).
Currently we see numerous reports of young people, who became "addicted" to sports betting, and who today cannot stop betting, and with this (taking into account), that most players will lose money for not having methodology.
How many of them can we be SURE will need psychological help? And who is actually caring about this? I have seen numerous studies regarding the rate and everything that involves the regulation itself, but I don't see anyone worried about the bubble that may arise from here.
Today, countless “Tiki Tokers”, who are not in the betting business, do not understand bets, are selling the message of ease to the people, the famous “Invest x to have GUARANTEED XY”
Let's remember that the educational level of our people is low, unfortunately we have a lot of “easy prey” here for this kind of small talk.
The fact is that some countries already treat this type of problem as a social one and not just a punctual betting problem. I don't need to tell you that we all have as weaknesses some kind of escape for some vice that makes us run away from something, whether from reality or from a specific situation, gaming, whether it be lucky or with skills, will fatally motivate a large portion to be thrown up, believing that this is the only way to make money, with this false promise sold.
My point is that we are not discussing this in public media, I am extremely in favor of regulation (WELL DONE), but I see that few people realized that the side effect that gambling can bring is very BIG and on a large scale it can become impossible to control.
Brazil is a giant, it can and should earn money with sports betting, gaming and everything that involves it, but if work is not done in the background, with protection and support, we are going to have serious consequences with what may involve so many misleading messages.
Danilo Pereira
Exclusive para Games Magazine Brasil
About Danilo Pereira
One of the most respected influencers in Brazil, with more than 600,000 followers on his communication channels, including YouTube, Instagram, Telegram and a VIP list of leads/students. Danilo is a professional gambler with over 16 years of experience, creator of the Bet Masters event and CEO of Aposta de Valor.
Column “The Voice of the Bettor”
A space where Pereira writes about customs, needs, suggestions for improvement and problems that Brazilian punters would like to express themselves on the sites where they play daily. There will also be no lack of his vision on various key topics in the sector such as odds, regulation, match fixing, responsible gaming, withdrawals, payment methods, etc.
