Blaze Casino Faces Investigation as Prosecutors Request Neymar Contract

^{Pictured: footballer Neymar and influencer Virginia Fonseca}

Brazilian prosecutors have opened an investigation into online casino Blaze following player complaints about possible consumer protection violations, CNN Brasil reported.

The investigation concerns the casino’s treatment of customers and its advertising practices.

Prosecutors want to establish whether Blaze withheld users’ funds without sufficient grounds, arbitrarily blocked accounts or applied disputed terms when players were clearing bonus wagering requirements.

A separate part of the investigation concerns Blaze’s promotion through well-known public figures. Prosecutors have requested the company’s advertising contracts with footballer Neymar, influencer Virginia Fonseca and others who promoted the casino.

Prosecutors are interested in what instructions the celebrities received and whether the advertising used language presenting betting as a way to earn “extra income”.

For the Brazilian market, this is an important issue: gambling advertising must not create the impression that betting is a reliable source of income or a way to improve someone’s financial position.

According to media reports, the complaint also mentioned the possibility that celebrity ambassadors may have received remuneration linked to player losses. At this stage, however, the investigation is focused primarily on Blaze, rather than Neymar or Virginia Fonseca.

If violations are confirmed, Blaze could face a claim for compensation for harm caused to consumers. The potential claim could reach 120 million Brazilian reais, or around €20 million.