As CONMEBOL tournaments enter their decisive stages, a striking stat has surfaced: 12 of the 16 clubs still competing in the 2025 Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana are sponsored by sportsbooks. That’s 75% of the continent’s elite — a level of industry saturation that would be unthinkable just a decade ago.
While such partnerships are not illegal, they’ve reignited concerns over conflicts of interest and match integrity, especially in markets where regulation is still developing. Critics say it’s a classic case of the mouse guarding the cheese.
Among the clubs and their betting partners:
- Palmeiras – Betfair
- Atlético Mineiro – Betano
- Flamengo – Pixbet
- River Plate – Codere
- Boca Juniors – Betsson
- Corinthians – Vai de Bet
- Athletico Paranaense – Esportes da Sorte
- Cerro Porteño – ApostaLa
- Club Nacional (Uruguay) – Supermatch
- Colo-Colo (Chile) – Betsson
- Universitario (Peru) – Apuesta Total
- Independiente del Valle (Ecuador) – Bet593
From Las Vegas to Disney+: The Global Bet on Sports
These deals range from sleeve and jersey sponsors to full-kit partnerships and digital integrations, reportedly valued in seven-figure USD contracts.
Corinthians president accused of money laundering in explosive Vaidebet scandal
The convergence of betting and football creates a grey zone for enforcement. Integrity units often lack real-time oversight, and many betting firms operate across multiple jurisdictions with varying rules. The trend also reflects how sportsbooks are replacing legacy sponsors in emerging markets, especially as media exposure from international competitions surges. With regulation lagging behind commercial deals, the line between marketing and manipulation is increasingly hard to police. And unless CONMEBOL, FIFA, or national federations step in with firmer guidelines, the game risks losing not just its credibility—but the trust of its fans.
