Beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família social welfare program in Brazil have transferred over £500 million to betting sites using the PIX instant payment system. The transfers, which have raised concerns among authorities, have been facilitated by the ease and convenience of PIX, which allows users to make instant payments using only a mobile phone number or QR code. The surge in transfers to betting sites has prompted the government to consider implementing measures to restrict such transactions, as they may divert funds intended for essential needs.