Brazil: Influencer Admits Agreement with Prosecutor Over Illegal Betting Ads

Brazil, May 16, 2025 – www.zonadeazar.com Digital influencer Luiz Ricardo Melquiades, known as Rico Melquiades, confirmed before the Bets Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) that he signed a non-prosecution agreement with the Alagoas Public Prosecutor’s Office. The deal aims to avoid criminal charges related to the promotion of unauthorized online gambling platforms.

Testifying on Wednesday (14), Rico claimed he had done nothing illegal and was unaware of alleged money laundering activities. He stated that his relationship with betting platforms like Blaze was limited to legal advertising campaigns.

“I’ve always followed the rules in place and clearly warned about the risks of gambling,” he said, pledging to submit copies of his contracts to the commission.

Betting Ads Under Parliamentary Scrutiny

Senator Soraya Thronicke (Podemos-MS), the CPI rapporteur, questioned Rico over three promotional posts between 2023 and 2024 showing only the logos of betting platforms. Despite being prior to the 2025 regulations, the posts allegedly violated consumer protection and advertising transparency laws.

“These ads go against the Consumer Protection Code and CONAR regulations,” Soraya said.

Non-Prosecution Deal and Alleged Confession

Senator Izalci Lucas (PL-DF) cited excerpts from the agreement, which allegedly includes a confession to involvement in criminal association and ideological falsehood related to the “jogo do tigrinho”. The deal includes a R$1 million fine. Rico’s lawyer, Diego Luiz Cavalcanti Duca, clarified that no formal confession was made and that the case is part of the Game Over 2 investigation by Alagoas police.

Influencers and Gambling Harm

Rico argued he always informed his audience about the risks of gambling and denied promoting exaggerated gains. However, Senator Soraya warned of a “ludopathy pandemic” affecting Brazil, referring to gambling addiction as a growing public health concern.

“We’ve received countless reports of addiction, bankruptcy, and even suicides linked to betting ads,” she said.

Other senators, including Eduardo Girão and Damares Alves, urged a ban on gambling ads by influencers, suggesting regulations similar to those imposed on tobacco advertising.

Exclusive Deal with ZeroumBet

Rico disclosed he recently signed an exclusive contract with ZeroumBet for 15 monthly Instagram posts, with a fixed fee and no performance bonuses. Senator Soraya noted that ZeroumBet recently changed ownership under suspicious circumstances and had influencer Deolane Bezerra as a former partner—who failed to attend her CPI summons.

Source: Agência Senado
Editor: @_fonta – www.zonadeazar.com