DIGITAL GAMBLING DISORDER AND THE “TIGRINHO” GAME: PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS AND THE ROLE OF PSYCHOLOGISTS IN ADDRESSING ONLINE GAMBLING ADDICTION

Abstract

The advancement of digital technologies has profoundly transformed patterns of leisure and social interaction, making online gambling a widespread phenomenon, particularly among young people and adults in vulnerable circumstances. The “Tigrinho” game stands out in this context as a symbol of digital gambling disorder, a condition characterized by impaired control over gambling behavior and recognized by the World Health Organization as a mental health concern. Gaps in regulatory oversight and recent regulatory developments, combined with the influence of social media and narratives of rapid wealth promoted by digital influencers, intensify the psychological, social, and economic risks associated with this form of gambling. Against this background, this study aims to analyze the impacts of digital gambling disorder, emphasizing the role of psychologists in prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. The research adopts a qualitative, exploratory, and bibliographic approach, grounded in a critical analysis of recent scientific publications on behavioral addiction, mental health, and professional psychological practice. The study is based on the hypothesis that the interaction between emotional vulnerability, media-driven stimulation, and challenges in governmental oversight contributes to an increase in cases of digital gambling disorder, and that psychological intervention is essential for promoting self-awareness, rebuilding social relationships, and minimizing the harmful consequences of online gambling addiction. The study seeks to contribute to a better understanding of this contemporary issue and to strengthen psychological practices aimed at promoting mental health in the digital age.