Brazilian Deputy Ismael Alexandrino wants to secure more funding for programs to prevent and treat mental health problems, such as gambling addiction, and to strengthen psychosocial care initiatives.
In his justification for Bill 3793, the deputy points out that “the current percentage of 1% is insufficient to address the increase in health problems resulting from sports betting. We need to ensure adequate investment to protect the health of the population.”
According to the proposal, the amount allocated to the Ministry of Tourism would be reduced from 28% to 19%, while the Health Department would receive 10% of the total, compared to 1% previously approved in Law 13,756.
In addition to the Bill, the deputy filed a request for a public hearing in the Health Committee to discuss the issue, with the same justification that the percentage initially defined for health is insufficient to address the health problems resulting from sports betting and online gaming.
For the hearing, the parliamentarian requests that representatives from the Ministries of Tourism and Health, a mental health specialist, the president of the Brazilian Psychiatry Association, and also from sports betting and online gaming companies be invited to discuss the issue.
The Bill is awaiting approval by the Speaker of the House and the request for a public hearing is ready to be discussed and voted on by the Health Committee.
Source: GMB
