Neymar and Vinícius Júnior Face Scrutiny Over Betting Advertising in Brazil

The Integrated Consumer Defense Center of the State of Espírito Santo (CINDEC) has instituted a preventive action regarding betting advertising and has alerted public figures such as footballer Neymar Júnior, as well as others who link their names to gambling companies.

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The campaign seeks to expand the conversation about the duties of influencers and celebrities when endorsing online betting sites. Other names include Vinícius Júnior, Ronaldo Nazário, Galvão Bueno, Adriane Galisteu, Léo Santana, Luciano Huck, Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Casimiro Miguel.

The action may also be extended to other influencers, such as regional content producers and influencers, who can appeal to specific audiences, said CINDEC. The agency emphasized that the action is preventive and that no advertising campaign is automatically deemed illegal or that the individuals involved are automatically liable.

Recommendation Calls for Review of Betting Contracts

Recommendation CINDEC No. 01/2026 is for public figures to rethink their advertising, promotional, affiliate, and sponsorship deals with gambling companies. Not only the financial conditions of contracts, but also the operators’ responsible gambling policy, the protection of vulnerable consumers and their adherence to Brazil’s advertising rules should all be taken into account by the review.

CINDEC advises against messages that correlate wagering with happiness, success, prestige, wealth or solutions to financial problems. It also reminds players to avoid giving wins as a one-off or in an artificial way, and stresses the importance of incorporating required warnings of addiction risks and financial loss.

The suggestion also makes a point of the need to safeguard children and young people. The role of a celebrity in a campaign extends beyond simply being a brand ambassador; they can help shape consumer perceptions of betting products and decision-making, as well, according to CINDEC.

Influencer Conduct and Consumer Influence Under Review

The document mentions a study where 57% of respondents reported that they were swayed by celebrities in their betting. CINDEC also highlights some elements that could be significant in evaluating the influencers’ and affiliates’ position in the commercial chain of the sector.

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These are promotional links, winnings repetition, and winnings based on registration, deposits, or transaction volume. This strategy comes as a response to the increasing focus on the role of public figures in advertising and organizing betting activities.

The recommendation made by CINDEC also involves consumer-protection regulations and advertising rules, which were reinforced in Brazil after being subjected to various controversies related to betting advertising, such as during major sporting events.

Neymar Given Ten Business Days to Respond

Neymar’s case is no exception: CINDEC has given him ten business days to confirm whether he will continue with the advertisement he had with a betting company.

Should the partnership be continued, the agency asks for data proving that the contract and the associated campaigns meet all the applicable legal requirements, restrictions and required warnings. The request is not a proof of any violation of the law by the player or campaign.

CINDEC pointed out that it could lead to more developments and that it does not have to be restricted to the public persons already notified. Its mission is to take preventive action against gambling advertisements and to look into the impact of celebrities on consumers’ behaviour.

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Source: SBC Noticias