The Dutch Gaming Authority (Ksa) has instructed the organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort and the Sauber Formula 1 team to stop promoting what they deem to be the illegal gambling provider Stake during the races.
Sauber’s Formula 1 team, which often races under the name ‘Stake F1 Team,’ is sponsored by Stake, an international gambling company. However, Stake does not have a license from the Ksa and is therefore not allowed to operate or promote gambling services in the Netherlands.
Dutch Law Regarding Gambling Services
Dutch laws are very clear about gambling: offering or advertising gambling services without a proper license is illegal. This includes promoting illegal gambling online. Gambling providers without a license must use tools like geoblocks to prevent Dutch users from accessing their services. Stake has implemented such a geoblock to comply with the law.
Despite these efforts, the Ksa has still found that Dutch players are able to access Stake’s services. Given the high profile of the Formula 1 event and its appeal to younger and more vulnerable audiences, the Ksa is concerned about the promotion of illegal gambling at such a large-scale event.
As a result, the Ksa has urged both the Sauber team and the Dutch Grand Prix organizers to refrain from advertising or promoting Stake at the races.
Stake F1 Team Can’t Race Under Its Sponsor in the Netherlands
In short, a Formula 1 team that proudly bears the name of a gambling sponsor is now forced to stop promoting that very name in the Netherlands. One of the key stops on its international circuit. Stake’s global branding, which normally features prominently on the team’s cars, uniforms, and marketing, becomes invisible due to regulatory hurdles.
It’s a strange twist for a team to be sponsored by a company that can’t be advertised in certain key markets. It draws attention to the complex relationship between sports, gambling sponsorships, and local regulations. Where what’s acceptable in one country may be prohibited in another. For a sport that thrives on global visibility, having a sponsor who is off-limits in certain markets raises questions about the future of such partnerships in a world with increasingly strict gaming laws.
Same Problem in Switzerland
Stake faced a similar issue in Switzerland. There, Sauber F1, (now rebranded as Stake F1), became embroiled in a legal dispute with the Swiss Federal Casino Commission. The issue centred around Stake.com’s lack of a license in Switzerland. Forcing Sauber to halt the promotion of the platform due to the country’s strict gambling advertising rules.
In response, Sauber adapted its branding strategy by using the name “Kick” in regions where gambling ads are restricted. Therefore, demonstrating their commitment to compliance.
Stake Sportsbook
You can bet on 27 different categories at the Stake Crypto sportsbook, but one isn’t about sports. That’s the Politics and Entertainment section. Here, you can place bets on live, upcoming, and future events related to TV shows and elections. Esports also has its own section on Stake.com. Here you can bet on games like Arena of Valor, Dota 2, FIFA, eCricket, Kings of Glory, Mobile Legends, NBA2K, Rainbow Six, Valorant, and Starcraft 1.
For real sports, besides the usual popular options like Formula 1, you can bet on things like cross-country races, Gaelic hurling, floorball, biathlons, stock-car racing, and Alpine skiing.
Is Stake Legal in Your Country?
Stake.com operates in several countries where online sports betting with crypto is legal. However, some countries have strict regulations or outright bans on online gambling, which means Stake cannot operate there. Here are some countries where sports betting on Stake is not illegal:
Canada – Stake is popular here, especially after Ontario regulated online gambling.
Brazil – Sports betting and gambling are legal in Brazil, and Stake is widely used.
Japan – Stake accepts players from Japan, where online gambling is not explicitly prohibited.
Mexico – Online sports betting is legal, and Stake operates here.
Argentina – In some regions, like Buenos Aires, online gambling, including sports betting, is legal.
However, many countries, like the USA, UK, and Netherlands, have strict regulations, so Stake cannot legally operate there.
These rules can change from time to time, so it is always best to double-check if your country is available before signing up at Stake.
Stake
Place Bets on Formula 1 at Stake.com