Ronaldo Caiado Pledges Strict Crackdown on Online Betting if Elected President

Presidential candidate Ronaldo Caiado of the PSD has announced plans to take a heavy hand against online betting platforms, known as bets, if he is elected. During a visit to merchants in the Brás region of São Paulo, Caiado responded to reports from business owners about employees suffering from gambling addiction and debt. He described gambling addiction as a disease comparable to drug dependency and a threat to family stability.

According to his official government plan, Caiado classifies betting platforms as a threat to public health, society, and the economy. He proposes strict regulations, including a total ban on betting advertisements in mass media and on social networks. His plan also emphasizes treating gambling disorder as a public health issue, calling for prevention and treatment measures for compulsive gamblers. Additionally, Caiado intends to prioritize the repression of illegal platforms through administrative and judicial blocks, a task he suggests should fall under a proposed Ministry of Public Security.

When questioned about whether he supports total prohibition or stricter rules, Caiado stated that a president cannot decide alone and must coordinate with the National Congress. He criticized other candidates for proposing measures without considering the necessary political articulation. While he seeks to harden the rules, he emphasized his intent to respect the separation of powers during the process.