The Mega-Sena, bets, Jogo do Tigrinho, raffles, Jogo do Bicho and bingos are the top bets played by 12.4 of the Brazilians, according to a local survey. 

Betting is second only to daily work (such as one-off extra services, extra shifts, overtime, in short, odd jobs), an answer given by 13.1 per cent of those interviewed as a way of supplementing the budget.

The figures are from the Consumer 360º survey, carried out by the NielsenIQ consultancy. This is an annual survey whose main objective is to capture economic perceptions and the impact on spending in Brazilian households. The 2025 edition heard from members of 8,240 households across the country, in all regions. The data is collected by auditors who visit households twice a month to obtain the information.

The analysis that found that 12.4 per cent of Brazilians are betting on raising their income is part of the chapter on the economic context and what people are doing to seek additional income. As other studies have already revealed, Consumer 360º found a drop in unemployment and an increase in average income. Check out below which activities are most often used to increase the budget.

According to the data, the favourites of the 12.4% of Brazilians who are looking to increase their income are the following:

• Concern for the future

Among other things, the survey monitors buying behaviour, how willing people are to buy new brands, spending inside and outside the home, average monthly income and spending, the impact of debt on consumption, consumer choices and preferences.

According to the study, the main reasons for indebtedness are: credit card spending; special credit; financing; consigned credit; bills and overdrafts. A projection by the National Confederation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism (CNC) cited in the study indicates that household indebtedness should reach 78.6 per cent in 2024, up from 77.8 per cent in 2023.

Faced with this scenario, when asked about people's biggest concern for the future, the answer is precisely paying the bills on time. This concern comes before buying a property or guaranteeing studies. 

Check out the ranking of the main concerns below:

• Paying bills on time
• Looking after and maintaining your health
• Getting and keeping your own home
• Maintaining living standards
• Guaranteeing your studies
• Getting/keeping a job

• Brand loyalty

The data indicates that shoppers are more cautious and are more likely to buy products with more attractive prices than to remain loyal to their brand. According to the study, 65% prioritise their budget in their purchases, rather than the list of things they need to buy. The researchers' other conclusions are as follows:

• 62% of households prioritise price over brand;
• 69 per cent opt for larger packaging to save money;
• 60% change brands only if their favourite one increases in price;
• 57% look for shops with promotions.

The survey also assessed how the destination of spending is changing the profile of Brazilians' debts. It was noted that in recent years, the portion of the family budget earmarked for secondary spending, such as leisure and technology, has increased from 29.1 per cent in 2017 to 31.4 per cent in 2024, with growth in leisure, eating out and durable goods standing out. Last year's 31.4 per cent is the second highest rate since 2017, second only to 2023, with 31.8 per cent.

On the other hand, in primary spending, there was a reduction in household expenses (usually supermarkets) and an increase in other debts, indicating a change in families' financial priorities.

What you don't stop doing

The study categorises indebted people who have overdue bills, instalments, loan payments and other debts into two categories. Those who are moderately indebted spend up to R$700 on debts. The highly indebted, on the other hand, have arrears of more than R$700 a month. Even with overdue bills, there are some things that none of them fail to do. See what they are in the table below.

According to the study, the highly indebted don't prioritise even toilet paper. In the case of the moderately indebted, the item is chocolate. For those without debt, alcoholic drinks, such as wine, are considered the least necessary.

By Clayton Freitas