Summary
- The Dutch Grand Prix, set for August 29–31, 2025, bans all gambling sponsorships under new KSA regulations.
- Teams like Sauber, Red Bull, and Ferrari are removing gambling logos, with Sauber racing as Kick Sauber.
- The KSA enforces strict compliance to protect vulnerable groups, cracking down on any attempts to bypass the rules.
The Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, happening from August 29 to 31, 2025, will look different this year.
A new gambling sponsorship ban is reshaping how teams present themselves. Here’s what you need to know about the changes and their impact.
Why the Ban Exists
The Dutch Gaming Authority, known as Kansspelautoriteit (KSA), rolled out a nationwide ban on gambling sponsorships on July 1, 2025.
This means you won’t see gambling logos on cars, team gear, or venue signs during the Grand Prix. The goal is to protect vulnerable groups, like young adults, from gambling ads.
Licensed gambling operators face tight rules, while unlicensed ones are completely blocked. The KSA also requires geo-blocking to stop Dutch fans from accessing unregulated betting sites. This is the first time the Grand Prix will race under these strict regulations.
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How Teams Are Adapting
Several Formula 1 teams are tweaking their branding to comply. Sauber Motorsport, for example, usually races with crypto casino Stake as its title sponsor.
At Zandvoort, you’ll see them as “Kick Sauber” instead, swapping Stake’s logo for Kick, a streaming platform. They’ve made similar switches in countries like Belgium and Australia.
Other teams are also affected:
- Red Bull Racing partners with PokerStars but will remove its branding.
- Williams F1 works with Betway and Jackpot City, both absent from Zandvoort.
- McLaren started with Allwyn in 2025, but their logos won’t appear.
- Ferrari carries VGW Play branding, which will also be removed.
These changes ensure teams follow Dutch law while keeping their global sponsorship deals intact.
The KSA’s Firm Stance
The KSA isn’t taking chances. They’ve warned teams and event organizers to stick to the rules. Chairman Michel Groothuizen made it clear: creative workarounds won’t fly. The authority wants to shield young people from gambling exposure, and they’re watching closely.
Recently, the KSA called out BetMGM for an ad featuring a 17-year-old soccer player, breaking Dutch rules against targeting minors.
They’ve also warned operators like TonyBet for offering bets on awards like the Ballon d’Or, which aren’t allowed because they’re decided by votes, not competition results.
What This Means for Formula 1
The Dutch Grand Prix draws a huge global audience, making it a key event for sponsors. But teams now face the challenge of balancing international partnerships with local laws.
You’ll still enjoy the thrill of the race, but the cars and suits will be free of gambling logos, reflecting the Netherlands’ push for responsible gambling.
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