Dutch gambling sponsorship ban applies to Formula 1 Grand Prix at Zandvoort

The Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, or KSA) confirmed that gambling-related sponsorships will not be permitted at the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort this weekend, following the implementation of a nationwide ban on July 1.

The event, running from August 29 to 31, will be the first major motorsport competition in the Netherlands to operate under the updated regulations. The law prohibits gambling operators from advertising through logos on cars, team clothing, venue signage, or broadcast graphics targeting Dutch viewers.

Licensed operators are subject to strict restrictions, while unlicensed operators are barred entirely. Geo-blocking measures have been introduced to prevent Dutch audiences from accessing unlicensed gambling websites.

Sponsorship changes for teams

Crypto casino and sportsbook operator Stake, the title sponsor for Sauber Motorsport, will not be visible on the team’s cars or gear during the Dutch Grand Prix. Instead, Sauber will race under the “Stake F1 Team Kick” banner, with Kick, a streaming platform owned by the same group, replacing Stake branding for Dutch audiences.

This adjustment follows similar moves made by the team in Belgium, Spain, Australia, and Qatar, where gambling sponsorships also face restrictions.

Other Formula 1 teams with gambling-related partnerships are also affected. Red Bull Racing is linked with PokerStars, Williams F1 has deals with Betway and Jackpot City, and McLaren began its sponsorship with Allwyn earlier in the 2025 season. Ferrari carries sponsorship from VGW, whose “VGW Play” branding typically appears on cars, helmets, and outfits, but will not be allowed in Zandvoort.

KSA enforcement stance

The KSA has instructed event organizers and sports governing bodies to ensure compliance with the advertising ban. “In other countries with similar bans, we’ve seen operators attempt to creatively circumvent the law. That will not be tolerated in the Netherlands,” KSA Chairman Michel Groothuizen said.

He added: “This legislation was enacted to protect young adults and other vulnerable groups by preventing their exposure to gambling advertisements, regardless of the source. We will be vigilant in upholding that protection.”

The KSA previously issued a warning to BetMGM over an ad featuring  FC Barcelona player Lamine Yamal, who at the time was 17 years old. Dutch law requires bettors to be at least 18 years old, and advertisements cannot target minors or vulnerable groups.

The regulator has also cautioned operators such as TonyBet against offering betting on events like the Ballon d’Or, which Dutch law prohibits because outcomes are determined by committee votes.

Formula 1 has included gambling partnerships in prior seasons, including SportPesa’s naming-rights deal with Racing Point in 2019. The updated restrictions now present teams with the challenge of maintaining international sponsorship deals while adjusting for markets like the Netherlands.

The Dutch Grand Prix, attracting a global broadcast audience, will test how teams navigate compliance with local advertising laws while continuing to engage sponsors across jurisdictions.