ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO AOS DANOS DAS APOSTAS VIRTUAIS: EXPERIÊNCIAS INTERNACIONAIS E O CONTEXTO BRASILEIRO

ABSTRACT The growth of virtual gambling and its negative impacts on public health have demanded intersectoral responses that articulate regulation, critical education, and the protection of the most vulnerable groups. This study conducts a comparative analysis of strategies for preventing harms related to virtual gambling implemented in the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Brazil. It is a qualitative, descriptive-analytical study, based on a narrative review of scientific literature and documentary analysis of campaigns, public policies, and regulatory norms. The results show that countries with greater regulatory maturity prioritize public health-based approaches, with evidence-based educational campaigns, advertising regulations, psychosocial support mechanisms, and policies aimed at protecting young people and vulnerable populations. In contrast, the Brazilian context, although it has advanced in standardization and regulation, still lacks structured preventive actions, effective enforcement, and integration among the health, education, and communication sectors. It is concluded that the prevention of gambling-related harms should be treated as a strategic issue in the collective health agenda, requiring intersectoral public policies that confront the influence of the gambling industry, promote critical education, and expand access to information and care services. Keywords: Online betting; Public policy; Health education; Public health.