Virginia would have induced millions to bet against Argentina, says MP

According to the lawsuit, Virginia published, on July 3, a story on Instagram for her more than 56 million followers saying that she was "confident" in goalkeeper Vozinha's performance and shared a link so that other people could also place bets on the match valid for the round of 16 of the World Cup.

In the opinion of promoter Paulo Roberto Binicheski, the publication did not clearly identify that it was an advertising action and led followers to believe that the influencer was making a bet on her own initiative.

The Public Prosecutor's Office states that, even if Virginia really bet on the game, this does not eliminate the potential for influence of the publication nor the possible harm to consumers.

For the body, the influencer participated in a coordinated strategy to publicize the betting platform, a practice that could fall under the so-called "rollover", a mechanism in which influencers receive financial advantages according to the number of new bettors attracted to the platform. According to the MP, this type of practice is prohibited by federal regulations.

In the action, the prosecutor highlights that the relationship built by Virginia with her followers increases the persuasive power of the publications.

"The receiver does not process the message as explicit advertising; he internalizes it as a personal gesture from someone he trusts," the document states.

According to the MPDFT, the investigation began after a technical report identified more than 42 thousand complaints related to Blaze. Among the signs highlighted are alleged abusive practices, withholding of bettors' amounts and betting goals considered unattainable for partner influencers.

The Prosecutor's Office asks that Virginia and Blaze be convicted of misleading and abusive advertising, in addition to the payment of R$120 million in collective and individual damages. The body also requests the removal of advertising content linked to the platform, the suspension of clauses considered irregular in contracts signed with influencers and the carrying out of educational campaigns on the risks of betting and over-indebtedness.

The request still depends on the Court's analysis.

In a statement, Virginia's defense stated that they learned of the action through the press and informed that they will respond to the allegations in the process. The lawyers also maintain that the Public Prosecutor's Office itself recognizes the existence of pending proceedings and claim that the body could have waited for the investigations to be completed before filing the action.

Foggo Entertainment Ltda., the company responsible for Blaze in Brazil, reported that it has not yet been formally summoned and stated that it maintains its operations in compliance with Brazilian legislation and responsible gaming guidelines. The company added that it will provide the necessary clarifications as soon as it is officially notified.

Public Ministry sues Virginia Fonseca and Blaze and asks for R$ 120 million

Public civil action by the MPDFT points out alleged irregularities in the dissemination of bets and cites consumer complaints against the platform. The agency also requests the removal of advertising content considered abusive and a daily fine of R$500,000 in case of non-compliance