Yesterday, in Fortaleza, I was able to talk in person with Jessica Lobo. I already knew her story, but hearing it up close moved me even more in the face of the tragedy of a family that saw their life destroyed because of gambling addiction. When a bet takes away money for food, the tranquility of a home, and the hope of a person, we are facing a public health problem and a social tragedy. While I was listening to Jessica, I thought about how many other Brazilian families might be going through the same thing. Because of stories like Jessica's, we made the decision to end gambling. It is the role of the Brazilian state to protect our people from an industry that profits from the suffering and indebtedness of individuals. Those who work and fight every day should not have their income and future destroyed by a money-making machine at the expense of their hope. Jessica, thank you for talking to me and for turning your pain into courage to alert other families. (translated)
