When iGaming faces public opinion: lessons from a turbulent week
The past week has been particularly intense for Brazil’s betting industry. The testimony of Virgínia Fonseca before the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) on Sports Betting, which took place on Tuesday (13th), became the main political and media topic related to the sector. It drew attention not only because one of the country’s biggest digital influencers had been summoned, but also due to the attitude she adopted during the hearing — considered inappropriate by both parliamentarians and the public on social media.
Wearing a sweatshirt featuring her daughter’s face and taking selfies with senators, Virgínia quickly became the target of criticism and satire, which had real consequences: according to the platform Social Blade, she lost over half a million followers in less than 48 hours. Despite the informal atmosphere created by her participation, the episode brought to light an urgent and legitimate debate about the role of influencers in promoting betting, especially to young and unprotected audiences. Senator Soraya Thronicke, rapporteur of the CPI, reiterated the need to regulate advertising in the sector based on principles of social responsibility and ethical communication.
The impact of the testimony reverberated so strongly that it sparked immediate reactions outside of Congress. One of the most notable cases was that of Father Patrick, known for his online presence with more than 6.6 million followers. In a video posted shortly after the influencer’s testimony, the priest openly criticised the sector and suggested that the CPI should also hear religious voices and influencers who refuse to promote gambling. “They should listen to people who have the dignity not to sell themselves for money,” he said. His statement reached Senator Soraya, who filed an official request for him to be summoned to testify before the commission. If accepted, his testimony could place the relationship between betting, religion, and public morality on the agenda — something likely to resonate strongly in a country like Brazil, where faith plays a significant social role.
This sequence of events, which began with a controversial summons and unfolded into a deeper ethical debate, directly echoes the themes discussed during BiS SiGMA South America, held in April. In the panel “New Voices in iGaming: The Transformation of Influencers and Brand Ambassadors”, industry specialists discussed how digital influencers’ involvement in the betting market needs to evolve — moving beyond simple advertising showcases and towards a central role in promoting responsible communication. With regulation in place, the focus is no longer just on who speaks, but how they speak. The need for influencers to be aware of the audiences they reach and to take responsibility for the messages they convey was highlighted as one of the main pillars for building a sustainable market. A regulated industry, after all, understands that public trust is built through ethics and consistency — especially when dealing with vulnerable groups.
This stance is also crucial in light of ongoing investigations such as Operation Integration, led by the Federal Police. First launched in September 2023, the operation uncovered a multi-billion real money laundering scheme involving sports betting companies, public figures, and front operations used to funnel funds. It is estimated that over R$3 billion in assets were moved suspiciously, resulting in arrest warrants, asset freezes, and the lifting of banking and tax secrecy. The investigations have even reached the entertainment sector, exposing how informality and a lack of robust controls still allow criminal practices to infiltrate the digital ecosystem.
Such cases underscore the urgent need for regulatory progress to be accompanied by a firm commitment to integrity. Brazil stands before a historic opportunity to consolidate a transparent, traceable, and responsible betting market — and this is precisely the point the legal industry has been emphasising: it is vital to distinguish those who operate within the law and under clear rules from those who use the sector as a front for fraud.
In the same spirit, Bill 4466/2024 is currently under discussion in the National Congress. It proposes the creation of a protection network for the elderly against abusive gambling practices. The bill aims to amend the Civil Code and the Elderly Statute, obliging operators and organisers to adopt preventive measures whenever there is a risk of exploiting vulnerabilities. These measures include access control tools, spending limits, educational campaigns, and psychological support. In the event of non-compliance, the bill provides for fines and even suspension of activities. The proposal aligns with the spirit of regulation: to create a balanced environment where entertainment exists with responsibility, and people are protected from unnecessary harm.
The week was marked by clashes, revelations, and criticism — but, above all, by one key realisation: Brazil is seriously debating the future of sports betting. And that is a sign of maturity. By taking social demands seriously and working towards joint solutions among public authorities, the industry, and civil society, the country has the opportunity to build a strong, ethical market aligned with the highest international standards. In this scenario, responsibility is no longer merely a legal requirement — it becomes a strategic, ethical choice for the sustainable growth of the sector.
Brazil’s iGaming sector is undergoing a full transformation — and every week brings new signs of maturity, challenges, and concrete progress. Keeping track of these developments is essential for anyone who works in, invests in, or simply wants to understand how the market is consolidating with responsibility and foresight.
We’ll be right here, following every step of this process. This is the second chapter of our weekly insights series, a space created for those who know that the future of the sector is being shaped right now. And of course, preparations for BiS SiGMA South America 2026 are already in full swing. Soon, we will once again bring together the leading names in the industry to continue building a more ethical, modern iGaming sector — one that reflects the values society expects.
Stay with us — because what’s coming will make history.
