The Dutch gambling authority, Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), has issued a clear directive ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix: no gambling sponsorships will be tolerated on the circuit, team liveries or driver suits.
The ruling is uncompromising. Operators without a Dutch licence are barred from advertising, even if they are licensed elsewhere in Europe. The ban applies not only to trackside banners but also to digital and online campaigns linked to the event.
The decision hits particularly hard at Sauber’s Stake F1 Team, which must again appear under the substitute branding Kick Sauber. For the Swiss outfit, this is not the first time it has been forced into a name change. In 2024, Stake logos were already removed at Zandvoort following KSA intervention.
Netherlands’ Gambling Authority, Kansspelautoriteit behind the influencers.
A KSA spokesperson underlined that the authority “will not permit any circumvention of national advertising rules.” Event organisers have been explicitly advised to consult with regulators in case of uncertainty.
Other teams with betting partners are also affected. Red Bull Racing’s PokerStars tie-up, McLaren’s agreement with Allwyn, and Williams’ cooperation with Betway and Jackpot City all fall under the restrictions, meaning logos and activations must disappear for the weekend.
The reasoning is straightforward: consumer protection. Dutch regulators argue that exposure to gambling brands during a high-profile sporting event risks normalising betting, particularly among young fans. The measure is presented as a necessary safeguard, not a temporary inconvenience.
For Formula 1, the Dutch case demonstrates once again the tension between global sponsorship structures and national legislation. Teams dependent on gambling revenues must now plan for regulatory patchwork across the calendar. In Zandvoort, at least, the rules are unmistakable: the race may go ahead, but the gambling logos must stay in the garage.
