Stake.com

History & Founding

Stake.com was conceived out of a partnership between Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, who first met as teenagers playing the online game RuneScape. In 2016 they founded Easygo, a game-development studio, and subsequently launched Stake.com in 2017. The platform initially focused on cryptocurrency transactions, leveraging blockchain's transparency to offer provably fair gaming – a feature that helped build trust among players. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stake paid Twitch streamers millions to broadcast live gambling sessions, driving revenue from $100 million to over $2 billion in two years. After Twitch banned gambling-related content in 2022, Craven and Tehrani launched the competing live-streaming service Kick.com.

Products & Services

- Online Casino: Thousands of slot games, classic table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat), and live-dealer tables from leading providers. - Sportsbook: Betting on major sports leagues, esports, and niche events, with crypto-based odds and instant settlements. - Poker: A dedicated poker room offering Texas Hold’em and Omaha variants. - Stake.us: A social-casino version for U.S. users (free-to-play, no real-money wagering). - VIP & Rewards Program: Tiered loyalty system with exclusive bonuses, cashback, and personal account managers. - Provably Fair System: Algorithmic verification allowing players to confirm each bet’s fairness.

Global Expansion & Licensing

Stake.com holds a Curaçao eGaming license (issued to Medium Rare N.V.) and has secured additional licenses in Colombia (via Betfair acquisition), Italy (Idealbet), Peru, Brazil, Denmark (Mocinoplay), Mexico, and Greenland. The UK site operates under a separate license via TGP Europe. In 2025–2026 the company accelerated its regulated-market entry.

Controversies

In April 2026, lawsuits were filed in New York and Florida alleging that Stake’s marketing and sponsorship placements (e.g., on sports jerseys and live streams) targeted minors. The company has not publicly settled the cases.