The impact of online gambling and games on the mental health of Brazilians was the subject of a survey by the Federal Court of Auditors (TCU). The study analyzed the actions of the Ministry of Health that seek to prevent problems related to gambling addiction, known as gambling addiction.
The study also cited access to treatment for people who already exhibit problematic behavior or have already been diagnosed with gambling disorder or pathological gambling.
For some scholars, the popularization of online gambling may have caused a significant increase in cases. Today, according to the Ministry of Health, this problem is already a challenge.
The department also highlighted the need for coordinated prevention and treatment actions within the Unified Health System (SUS).
Currently, the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) is the organization responsible for treating patients with gambling disorders. However, there is a lack of specialized professionals and even adequate physical space for treatment.
Health professionals do not feel prepared to face gambling addiction
A survey conducted by the non-profit organization ImpulsoGov, with 2,000 SUS health professionals, revealed that more than half (55.2%) of those interviewed do not feel prepared to treat patients with gambling addiction.
The survey conducted by the Court revealed flaws in the actions of the Ministry of Health in relation to tackling online gambling addiction. According to the TCU, there are problems in the coordination between the responsible areas, a lack of specific indicators to monitor the problem and few awareness campaigns about the risks.
Furthermore, the number of cases recorded as pathological gambling may be underestimated. In addition, actions to detect cases of addiction early are limited.
Another point found by the study is the lack of effective measures to guide and protect children, adolescents and people diagnosed with gambling addiction. Although the law requires blocking mechanisms and educational campaigns, government initiatives are considered weak and insufficient.
Overall, the conclusion reached by the survey is that the actions of the Federal Government, both in terms of regulation and in the health sector, require greater attention. In view of this, attention is needed in implementing the Ministry of Health’s action plan.
The actions include awareness campaigns, training of RAPS teams to assist compulsive gamblers and the creation of mechanisms to prevent, identify and treat the most serious cases of gambling disorder.
