The Ministry of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Fight Against Hunger (MDS) announced the creation of a Working Group (GT) to analyze the use of Bolsa Família card resources in online betting.
A recent survey by the Central Bank revealed that Bolsa Família beneficiaries spent more than R$3 billion on online betting in August.
This use of resources goes against the purpose of the program, which is to guarantee food security and meet the basic needs of families in vulnerable situations.
How the Working Group will work
The Working Group will work in partnership with the Federal Inspection Network for Bolsa Família and Cadastro Único. The objective is to present a proposal to restrict the inappropriate use of resources by October 2nd. Furthermore, the Ministry of Treasury, the Ministry of Health and the Civil House will also participate in this action in an integrated manner.
In a statement, the MDS reiterated that social income transfer programs were created to combat hunger and promote dignity for those who need it most. “The priority will always be to combat hunger and promote dignity for those who need it most”, highlighted the ministry.
“MDS’s focus remains firm on ensuring that Bolsa Família continues to be an effective instrument to combat poverty and food insecurity.”
Spending by Bolsa Família beneficiaries on betting
The Central Bank prepared a technical note, released last Tuesday, September 24th. This note showed that Bolsa Família beneficiaries spent R$3 billion on online betting via Pix in August. Thus, the survey revealed worrying data about the use of program resources.
Senator Omar Aziz requested the survey, and he is considering asking the Attorney General’s Office for legal action to remove the internet bookmakers’ pages until they are regulated by the federal government.
According to the Central Bank’s technical analysis, around 5 million beneficiaries, out of a total of approximately 20 million, placed bets via Pix.
The average expenditure was R$100. Of the 5 million bettors, 70% are heads of families and sent, in August alone, R$2 billion to online bets, representing 67% of the total of R$3 billion. The report includes both betting on sporting events and online casino games.
The Minister of Development and Social Assistance, Family and Combating Hunger, Wellington Dias, commented on the Central Bank’s survey. Furthermore, he recalled that social income transfer programs were created to guarantee food security.
“The priority will always be to combat hunger and promote dignity for those who need it most”, highlighted the minister in a statement.
“Our focus remains firm: ensuring that Bolsa Família continues to be an effective instrument to combat poverty and food insecurity. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this objective is maintained”, he concluded.
