How Illegal Gambling Impacts Families and Education

In recent years, sports betting and illegal gambling, such as the "tigrinho game," have become widely accessible due to the popularization of online platforms. With influencers promoting betting and football teams being sponsored by these companies, the appeal to enter this world grows more and more. However, what starts as harmless fun quickly turns into an addiction, and the results can be devastating.

Felipe*, one of the many Brazilians who fell into this trap, saw his life crumble after losing R$ 40,000 in bets. The addiction not only destroyed his finances but also ended his 12-year marriage. His ex-wife, suspicious of the growing debts, believed the money was being spent on an extramarital affair, but in reality, the addiction to the "tigrinho game" and sports betting was the true culprit. "I stopped being a father, I stopped being a husband. A gambler's mind becomes obsessed with the game," says Felipe.

These illegal games, often organized on clandestine platforms, are dangerous because they operate without regulation or security. Unlike official platforms, which follow transparency standards, players have no guarantee of payment. Furthermore, by getting involved with loan sharks to cover debts, many players put their lives and those of their families at risk.

The impacts of gambling addiction go far beyond finances. The emotional and psychological effects on homes are profound, and many marriages have ended due to the self-destructive behavior of addicts. Audrey Scattolin, a family law attorney, states that approximately 80% of the divorces in her office between 2022 and 2023 were motivated by gambling addiction or illegal gambling, such as the "tigrinho game." In some cases, addicts even introduce their children to the world of gambling, perpetuating the cycle of dependency.

Raquel*, for example, was pregnant with their second child when she discovered her husband had lost the car and the down payment for the house in bets. This irresponsible and compulsive behavior resulted in the couple's separation. "He no longer thought about the family, only the game," laments Raquel.

A recent survey by Educa Insights revealed that 35% of Brazilians planning to enter private higher education in 2024 were unable to start their studies due to online gambling expenses. This alarming number reflects how addiction to these games is beginning to compromise the educational future of a significant portion of the population.

Among those who bet regularly, 31% say that gambling has directly interfered with their ability to start college. The impact is even more pronounced among lower-income classes, such as C2 and DE, which have average incomes of R$2,403.04 and R$1,087.77, respectively. For these people, the money that should be invested in education is being diverted to sustain addiction.

This reality directly affects the future of thousands of young people who, instead of investing in their studies and ensuring better life opportunities, are trapped in a gambling cycle that only brings more financial problems. The research also projects that, in 2025, 37% of those who wish to start a college education will need to cut or stop gambling expenses to afford educational costs.

Illegal gambling, without any kind of control or regulation, promotes addiction in an unrestrained manner, attracting people from all social classes with the promise of easy gains. However, the reality is that most players end up losing large amounts of money and, in many cases, ruin their lives in the process.

Lawyer Patrícia Gorisch, a Family Law specialist, warns that the problem of illegal gambling is particularly concerning because, unlike physical casinos or regulated platforms, there is no government oversight. "Illegal gambling offers zero protection to the player. If there is fraud or non-payment of prizes, players have nowhere to turn."

Furthermore, illegal gambling often involves criminals, such as loan sharks, who offer loans with exorbitant interest rates so that players can continue to bet, further worsening the financial and emotional situation of the families involved.

The alarming increase in gambling addiction in Brazil requires a swift and effective response. In addition to regulating betting platforms, it is crucial to implement awareness campaigns to alert the population about the risks of addiction and illegal gambling.

Regulation would help limit access to clandestine platforms and create control mechanisms to protect players. However, it is also necessary to educate the public, especially young people, so that they understand the dangers of these activities.

Illegal gambling is destroying families and compromising the future of thousands of Brazilians. The easy access to these platforms and the lack of effective regulation make the scenario even more dangerous, especially for the most vulnerable classes. Besides the impacts on finances and relationships, gambling addiction is causing many young people to give up on starting their studies, compromising their chances of a better life.

To address this growing problem, it is essential for the government to continue advancing in regulation while simultaneously implementing awareness campaigns. Protecting Brazilian families and ensuring that young people have the opportunity to invest in their educational careers should be a priority.

*Original names have been changed to protect the identities of the interviewees