Date: 03.01.2024

by Mateusz Mazur

Stake.com Accelerates in Formula 1 with Sauber Team Sponsorship

In a significant development in the world of sports sponsorships, the crypto gambling platform Stake.com has secured the naming rights of Sauber’s Formula One car for the next two years.

This major marketing effort, dubbed Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber, represents a new chapter in the platform’s promotional strategy, beginning with the 2024 racing season starting on 5 February in London.

Transition from Alfa Romeo to Stake F1 Team

The partnership marks a departure for the F1 team, which raced under the Alfa Romeo banner for five seasons. Looking ahead, the team is set to undergo another rebranding in 2026 as Audi’s factory team. Sauber’s Team Representative, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, expressed excitement about this new phase, highlighting the natural progression of Stake’s involvement in Formula 1.

Founded in 2017 by Australia’s youngest billionaire, Ed Craven, and Bijan Tehrani, Stake.com has rapidly grown into the seventh-largest gambling group. Its gross gaming revenue soared to $2.6 billion in 2022, up from $105 million in 2020. The platform’s global operations extend to countries like Brazil and Japan, with significant client bases in Southeast Asia.

Regulatory Landscape and Challenges

Stake.com navigates a complex regulatory environment, with pending licenses in Australia and Canada. However, it runs non-crypto online gambling operations in the US and the UK and holds traditional gambling licenses in Mexico and Paraguay. The platform faced a setback last September, losing about $41 million in cryptocurrencies to hackers.

Formula One sponsorships are highly coveted, particularly by financial services companies. The specifics of the Stake and F1 team deal remain undisclosed, but such sponsorships are known to be significant investments. Bravi acknowledged Stake’s role in not only engaging with Formula 1’s fanbase but also in introducing the sport to new audiences.

The partnership is expected to bring forth exciting activations, as seen in previous collaborations with ambassadors like Sergio Aguero and Karan Aujla. The upcoming season promises more innovative and far-reaching events, enhancing Stake’s presence in the sports world.

Our Comment On The Article

Stake.com’s venture into Formula 1, particularly with the naming rights for Sauber’s team, is a strategic move that aligns with the platform’s rapid growth and global expansion. This partnership exemplifies the increasing convergence of sports and the digital economy, particularly in the realm of cryptocurrency and online gambling. Stake’s ability to adapt to various regulatory environments while continuing to expand its market presence is noteworthy.

The partnership not only boosts Stake’s visibility but also contributes to the dynamic landscape of sports sponsorships, demonstrating the growing influence of digital platforms in traditional sports domains. As Stake.com enters the 2024 Formula 1 season, it will be interesting to observe how this collaboration influences both the platform’s growth and the broader engagement strategies in the world of sports marketing.