Brazilian soccer players have taken legal action against the use of their names in sports betting
Several Brazilian players have challenged the commercial use of their personal data by betting operators. A court has already imposed temporary restrictions pending a final ruling.
Brazilian footballers Guilherme Marques, Gabriel Barros, Gustavo Vilar, and Ricardo Bueno have obtained a temporary court order preventing bookmakers from using their names and images in personalized betting markets. The lawsuits were filed against Verabet, Cassino BET, bet365, and Betano.
The dispute concerns special betting markets that allow wagers on individual player actions during matches, including goals scored, yellow cards received, and the number of fouls committed. The players argue that their personal data is being used for commercial purposes without their consent. They also claim that such betting markets may contribute to an increase in threats and harassment from dissatisfied betting customers.
Betano, for its part, stated that Brazilian legislation already regulates compensation for the use of sports data and argued that mentioning athletes' names in betting markets does not violate existing laws.
At this stage, the court has only granted the players' request for temporary restrictions. A final decision on the legality of using their names in betting products will be made after the case has been fully considered.