TLDR
- Brazil’s CINDEC launched a preventive action reviewing betting ads tied to celebrities like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior.
- Other names flagged include Ronaldo Nazário, Galvão Bueno, Luciano Huck, and Casimiro Miguel.
- Neymar has ten business days to say whether he will keep his betting sponsorship deal.
- CINDEC wants proof that any continued contracts meet Brazil’s advertising and consumer protection rules.
- A cited study found 57% of people said celebrity endorsements influenced their betting habits.
Brazilian consumer protection authorities are looking closely at how celebrities promote online betting companies. The Integrated Consumer Defense Center of the State of Espírito Santo, known as CINDEC, opened a preventive action this week.
The agency sent alerts to several well known Brazilian public figures. Footballer Neymar Júnior is among them, along with teammate Vinícius Júnior.
Other names on the list include Ronaldo Nazário, Galvão Bueno, Adriane Galisteu, Léo Santana, and Luciano Huck. Vanderlei Luxemburgo and Casimiro Miguel were also named in the action.
What CINDEC Is Asking For
CINDEC says the goal is to open a conversation about the responsibilities of influencers and celebrities. This applies specifically to people who put their name behind gambling brands.
The agency issued a formal recommendation, numbered 01/2026. It calls on public figures to review their advertising and sponsorship agreements with betting companies.
This review should cover more than payment terms. CINDEC wants figures to also check the operator’s responsible gambling policies and how they protect vulnerable consumers.
The recommendation discourages ads that link betting to happiness, success, or wealth. It also warns against presenting wins as guaranteed or routine outcomes.
CINDEC stressed that warnings about addiction risk and financial loss should appear in these campaigns. Protecting children and young people from betting ads was also raised as a priority.
Neymar’s Ten Day Deadline
Neymar’s situation is being treated as a specific case within the broader action. CINDEC has given him ten business days to confirm his plans.
He must state whether he intends to continue his current advertising deal with a betting company. If he continues, CINDEC wants documentation showing the campaign follows all legal requirements.
That includes proof that required warnings and consumer protections are in place. CINDEC was clear that this request does not mean Neymar or the campaign broke any law.
The agency pointed to a study on consumer behavior to support its concerns. According to CINDEC, 57% of people surveyed said celebrity endorsements affected their betting decisions.
Other factors CINDEC flagged include promotional links and winnings tied to how much someone deposits or wagers. These details help the agency judge how much influence a celebrity actually has in the betting chain.
Brazil has faced growing scrutiny over betting ads in recent years. Controversies during major sporting events have pushed regulators to reinforce consumer protection and advertising rules.
CINDEC said this action is preventive only. No campaign or individual has been found to have broken any rule at this stage.
The agency also said the action could expand beyond the names already listed. Regional influencers and content creators who reach specific audiences may be added later.
CINDEC framed its mission as looking at how celebrity endorsements shape consumer behavior around betting. The Neymar case remains the most immediate deadline, with his response due within the ten day window set by the agency.
