The Minister of Social Development, Wellington Dias, stated that a proposal that aims to prevent the use of the Bolsa Familia card to pay online bets, known as "Bets", has been underway.
According to the minister, although the Bolsa Familia card allows purchases to meet family needs, such as food and other essential items, use for betting games does not fit these criteria. He stressed that the restriction is not exclusive to Bolsa Familia, but is part of a measure that is valid for all cards.
"The Bolsa Familia card offers freedom to meet family needs, such as food, but betting games are clearly not a need. To avoid prejudice, the rule that will be applied to Bolsa Familia will also be valid for all cards," he said.
Since Congress approved the regulation of online bets, the possibility of using Bolsa Familia's benefit for this type of payment has generated discussions. On the one hand, there are those who argue that beneficiaries should have autonomy on resource management. On the other hand, critics point out that the focus of the program should remain in food safety and the well-being of families.
The statement of the minister was made after a meeting with Finance Minister Fernando Haddad in Brasilia. However, days did not specify when the measure will come into force, noting that the block is still being implemented.
"We are developing this measure in the context of a general policy for all cards," he said. According to him, the block will work similarly to what happens with credit cards, preventing the use of the Bolsa Familia card on betting sites. He explained that there will be an integrated blockade system with betting companies and the National Games Secretariat, as well as inspection by the Central Bank and other control bodies.
Operators start blocking access to betting sites
Data released by the Central Bank in September show that, in the first eight months of 2024, Brazilians spent an average of $ 20 billion per month on online bets. The study also revealed that about 24 million people made at least one PIX payment for these sites, and among them are beneficiaries of Bolsa Familia.
Earlier this month, the minister had already informed the columnist Valdo Cruz of the G1 , who would present to President Lula a proposal to ensure the blocking of the benefit for this purpose.
One of the measures discussed is the possibility of replacing the card holder if he comes to accumulate debt with bets and compromises his family's food security.