The Sauber Formula 1 team has been warned by the gambling regulator in the Netherlands not to promote the unlicensed gambling platform Stake during the Dutch Grand Prix. Stake is the team’s main title sponsor, with its logo prominently displayed on the cars and drivers.
The KSA (Kansspelautoriteit) highlighted the fact that Stake does not have a license to offer gambling services in the Netherlands, and therefore cannot advertise its brand in the country. Despite implementing geoblocking measures to prevent Dutch residents from accessing the site, the regulator noted that people are still using VPNs to bypass these restrictions and gamble on Stake.
As a result, the KSA has requested that Sauber refrain from racing under the Stake name during the upcoming Grand Prix. This is not the first time the team has faced such issues, as they have encountered similar challenges in regions with strict gambling laws before. For example, authorities in Switzerland took legal action to prevent Stake from advertising during a race in the past.
In such situations, the team has opted to prominently display the logo of the Kick streaming platform, which is owned by the same individuals behind Stake. This allows them to comply with local regulations and continue participating in races without promoting the unlicensed gambling platform.
Overall, the warning from the Netherlands’ gambling regulator serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by sports teams and sponsors operating in regions with strict gambling laws. It highlights the importance of adhering to local regulations and ensuring compliance with licensing requirements to avoid legal issues and potential penalties. By making necessary adjustments and cooperating with authorities, teams like Sauber can continue to participate in races while respecting the laws and regulations of the countries they visit.