Dutch gambling regulator Kansspelautoriteit (KSA) has ordered the Sauber F1 team not to advertise the Stake online betting and gaming brand at this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix.

The regulator noted in a statement that Sauber F1 uses the Stake livery at most races on the Formula 1 calendar, which in the view of the regulator would be prohibited advertising because the operator is not licensed in the Netherlands.

The KSA acknowledged that Stake has measures in place to prevent players in the Netherlands from using its website, including geoblocking technology, but said that some players are still accessing the site.

“Despite the measures taken by Stake, the KSA still sees participation by Dutch players. The KSA therefore finds it undesirable that illegal gambling is advertised at a Dutch event with the reach and size of Formula 1, also because the event attracts a lot of attention among vulnerable groups,” said the gambling regulator.

“The board of the KSA has therefore urgently requested both Sauber and the organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix not to drive under the name Stake and not to advertise for this provider.”

Where Stake cannot be advertised, Sauber F1 is branded with the logo of gaming and live streaming platform Kick, which is backed by Stake co-founders Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani.

The Sauber F1 team ran the Stake livery at the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.