Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca and television presenter Adriane Galisteu are facing legal action alongside operator Betano in a lawsuit alleging misleading betting advertising practices.
The case was revealed by columnist Fábia Oliveira, who reported having access to the court documents.
The plaintiff claims he was influenced by campaigns featuring the two celebrities to begin betting on Betano’s platform in hopes of multiplying his savings.
According to the filing, he deposited BR56,000, money he had reportedly saved to purchase a home.
The man alleges that after suffering losses, he resorted to taking out loans in an attempt to recover the money, without success. He also claims the situation contributed to serious health problems while he was unemployed.
The lawsuit further argues that Betano’s platform was structured to encourage repeated deposits through “simulated promises” of winnings designed to keep users trapped in a cycle of losses.
Fonseca, one of Brazil’s largest influencers, is accused in the filing of presenting betting as a “simple and safe financial success.” The plaintiff also referenced her controversial testimony during Brazil’s CPI das Bets parliamentary inquiry.
Galisteu, a well-known Brazilian television presenter, actress and former model who has acted as a Betano ambassador, was included in the lawsuit for her role in promoting the operator’s services.
The plaintiff is seeking BR324,000 in damages and legal costs. He had also requested a preliminary injunction freezing BR85,000 from the defendants’ accounts, though the request was denied by the court.
According to the report, an initial conciliation hearing did not proceed after the defendants were not successfully served. A new hearing is expected to take place in the coming months.
Brazil’s Ministry of Finance is currently reviewing betting advertising rules, including influencer-led promotion, as part of its 2026-2027 regulatory agenda
