Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has issued a warning to the Sauber Formula 1 team over the promotion of the Stake brand during the Dutch Grand Prix.
The KSA reported that Stake.com, a cryptocurrency gaming platform, does not have a license to operate in the Netherlands and is therefore considered illegal.
The Dutch Grand Prix, which will take place at Circuit Zandvoort, is scheduled to begin on Friday (23) with the first round of practice, with the main race taking place on August 25.
Sauber, which officially competes as the “Stake F1 Kick Sauber Team”, will be present in the dispute. However, due to strict betting advertising rules in the country, the team will not be able to use their full name during the race.
Advertising rules and restrictions
Dutch laws prohibit the promotion of betting operators who do not have a license in the country. Stake.com, as it is not licensed, is categorized as an illegal operator.
In a statement, KSA said: “The Sauber Formula 1 team competes in most international races as the Stake F1 Team. Stake is an international betting provider and main sponsor of the team. Stake does not have a KSA license and is therefore not permitted to offer betting in the Netherlands.”
The regulator also expressed concerns about the impact of gaming at high-profile events such as Formula 1, especially among vulnerable groups such as minors and young adults. Therefore, the KSA has emphatically requested that Sauber and the event organizers do not promote the Stake brand during the Grand Prix.
Stake to promote its Kick F1 streaming in the Netherlands
To circumvent the restrictions imposed, Sauber has already implemented changes in countries with strict rules on betting advertising. In previous events, such as in Qatar, Japan, Saudi Arabia and others, the team changed its name and official branding to “Kick F1”, adapting to local requirements.
Kick is a streaming platform that belongs to Stake, but, as it is not directly linked to gambling or cryptocurrencies, it is able to comply with regulations in countries that restrict advertising in these segments.
During the Dutch Grand Prix, Sauber plans to compete again under the name “Kick F1”. In this way, avoiding direct promotion by the bookmaker and thus complying with Dutch rules.
