Stake will not sponsor at the Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 GP

In 2021, Stake was already labeled as an illegal casino by the Gaming Commission (KSC). On February 22, 2024, Stake was even fined 200,000 euros due to a sanctions procedure. Because they are on the blacklist, they are not allowed to act as main sponsor in the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix. That is why Stake is not allowed to sponsor the Kick Sauber F1 team during the Grand Prix.

Because there was also a lot of criticism from politicians and legal gambling companies. Patrick van Hecke (Green) wanted to know from the Minister of Justice Paul van Tigchelt whether the Swiss team could start advertising Stake. But the cars will definitely be at the start. No European gambling policy prohibits this. According to the minister, this means that you cannot ban any European team from entering into a partnership with a gambling company that is on our blacklist of illegal casinos.

However, the teams will have to take into account the regulations regarding sponsorship of gambling companies when the transition period ends on December 31, 2027. Logos of gambling companies on sports clothing, sports equipment, in a stadium or on a circuit are currently still permitted.

Kick as main sponsor instead of Stake

Sauber has announced that the Stake logos will be replaced by stickers from sister company Kick in countries where promotion for gambling companies is not allowed. The team will function as the Kick Sauber F1 Team in the Netherlands, Spain, Australia and Qatar, among others.