The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has ordered the organisation of the Formula 1 in Zandvoort, Dutch Grand Prix, and racing team Sauber not to advertise illegal gambling provider Stake during the races in Zandvoort.

The Sauber Formula 1 team competes in most international races as ‘Stake F1 Team’. Stake is an international gambling provider and main sponsor of the team. Stake does not have a license from the Ksa and is therefore not allowed to offer gambling in the Netherlands.

According to the gambling legislation, it is prohibited to offer gambling without a license, to advertise those illegal gambling or to promote participation in them. Online gambling providers without a license must therefore take measures to prevent participation from the Netherlands, for example by applying geoblocking. Dutch players cannot then reach the website.

Stake has applied such a geoblocking.Despite the measures that Stake is taking, the Ksa still sees participation by Dutch players. The Ksa therefore finds it undesirable that illegal gambling is advertised at a Dutch event with the reach and size of Formula 1, also because the event attracts a lot of attention among vulnerable groups (minors and young adults). The board of the Ksa has therefore urgently requested both Sauber and the organization of the Dutch Grand Prix not to drive under the name Stake and not to advertise for this provider.