The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a warning to Formula 1 team Sauber regarding their advertising collaboration with Stake.com for the forthcoming Dutch Grand Prix, stating that it would be illegal.
Since Stake.com, a cryptocurrency gaming company, lacks a licenсe to operate in the Netherlands, all its activities—including advertising—are deemed unlawful. Consequently, Sauber, which races under the name "Stake F1 Kick Sauber Team," will be unable to utilise its full branding.
"The Formula 1 team Sauber competes in many international races as Stake F1 Team. While Stake serves as a global gambling provider and the team's sponsor, it is not licensed by the KSA, rendering it illegal to offer gambling services in the Netherlands. We find it unacceptable to promote illicit gambling at an event as prestigious as Formula 1, particularly because it attracts vulnerable audiences, including minors and young adults," stated the KSA.
It is noteworthy that other countries hosting Formula 1 races, such as Qatar, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bahrain, and China, have varying restrictions on gambling. To comply with local regulations, Sauber alters its official team name, car branding, racing suits, and other promotional materials accordingly. As a result, the team will compete under the name Kick F1 in the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.
Kick is a live-streaming platform for viewing, creating, and sharing content. Although it is owned by Stake, it operates independently as it is not primarily a gambling or cryptocurrency business, ensuring compliance with local laws. Therefore, Stake F1 will participate as Kick F1 this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.
