Rio de Janeiro adds betting-dependency screening to routine health consultations
Rio de Janeiro’s municipal health department introduced screening for betting dependency at primary-care clinics in August 2026. In the first week, 3,070 patients answered the questions: 22 said they felt a need to bet, and 15 said they had concealed gambling expenditure from family. A positive response triggers further assessment and care, with support also available to relatives.
The screening creates a primary-care route to identify betting-related harm and refer patients and affected relatives for support.