The Netherlands Gambling Authority has reinforced its stance on gambling sponsorships ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, which will take place at Circuit Zandvoort from 29 to 31 August 2025. Teams have been warned that gambling brands without a Dutch licence cannot appear in any form during the event. Even licensed operators are restricted, as online gambling promotion is not permitted under the country’s strict laws.
National Rules Versus Global Racing
The Dutch regulator maintains one of the toughest approaches to gambling advertising in Europe. Any visible display of a gambling company that lacks a domestic licence is viewed as promoting illegal activity and will be treated as a violation of law. Formula 1 teams and organisers have been urged to review their sponsorships carefully and seek clarification to avoid penalties.
This is not the first time the issue has surfaced at Zandvoort. Last year, the Sauber team, which competes under the Stake F1 name in most races, was forced to drop the Stake branding before the Dutch round. Stake is a crypto casino operator that does not hold a Dutch licence. To comply, the team entered the race under an alternate name and will do the same again this year.
Sponsorships Under Pressure
The restriction carries weight for several leading teams that maintain partnerships with gambling operators. Red Bull Racing has ties with PokerStars, McLaren with Allwyn, Williams with Betway and Jackpot City, while Sauber remains linked with Stake and Kick. All of these arrangements must be adjusted for the Dutch race to respect national rules.
For the Dutch authority, this is more than a technical matter of sponsorship contracts. The focus is on consumer protection. Gambling advertising is seen as having the potential to influence younger audiences and encourage riskier behaviour. By keeping unlicensed and online gambling brands off the circuit, regulators aim to limit exposure and channel interest toward regulated offerings.
As the Dutch Grand Prix approaches, the attention of fans will naturally fall on the race itself. Yet in Zandvoort, what appears on the sponsorship boards is almost as closely watched as what happens on track. Formula 1 may be a global sport, but when it comes to gambling partnerships, national laws set the pace.
