Stake Review 2026: Legit or Scam? Our Verdict

Is Stake Legit?

Stake.com is operated by Medium Rare N.V., registered in Curaçao. Launched in 2017, the platform has grown into the largest crypto casino in the world by wagering volume. With public founders, major sports sponsorships, and 9 years of uninterrupted operation, Stake has built a strong trust record.

Trust Factors

License and Regulation

Stake operates under a Curaçao license (formerly Curaçao eGaming, now Curaçao Gaming Authority following the 2024 reform). This is a recognized license for crypto-focused operators.

Payment Track Record

Stake has a flawless payout history. Crypto withdrawals are processed within minutes, 24/7. There are no documented cases of legitimate winnings going unpaid.

Public Founders

Unlike many offshore platforms that hide behind anonymous shell companies, Stake’s co-founders Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani are publicly known figures in the crypto gambling space. Public accountability adds a meaningful layer of trust.

Major Sponsorships

Stake is (or has been) the official sponsor of:

• UFC (multi-year global partnership)
• Everton FC (English Premier League)
• Drake (high-profile brand ambassador)

These sponsorship deals involve significant due diligence from the partner organizations, further validating Stake’s legitimacy.

The $41M Hack (September 2023)

In September 2023, Stake suffered a hot wallet hack resulting in $41 million in losses. The critical point: all affected users were fully reimbursed within 24 hours. This incident actually reinforced confidence in the platform, proving that Stake holds sufficient reserves to absorb major incidents without impacting users.

Provably Fair Games

All Stake Originals (Crash, Plinko, Dice, Mines, etc.) use a cryptographic verification system. Every game result can be independently verified by the player, ensuring the outcomes are not manipulated.

Mandatory KYC Since 2025

Stake made KYC (identity verification) mandatory for all users. This is a positive signal: serious platforms implement KYC to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

What Users Say

Common Positives

• Fast and reliable payouts
• Responsive live chat support
• Transparent VIP program
• Huge variety of games (3,000+ titles)

Points to Consider

• Some countries (including France) are on the restricted list
• KYC verification can take 24-48 hours
• No traditional welcome bonus (but permanent rakeback instead)

Our Verdict

Stake is one of the most trustworthy crypto operators on the market. Nine years of operation, major sports sponsorships, public founders, and the exemplary handling of the 2023 hack all point to a reliable platform. For crypto bettors and casino players looking for a proven operator, Stake is a safe choice.

FAQ

Is Stake legal in my country?

Stake operates under a Curaçao license. It is legal to use in most countries, but some jurisdictions are restricted. Check Stake’s terms of service for the full list of restricted territories.

Are my funds safe on Stake?

Stake stores the majority of crypto funds in cold wallets. The 2023 hack affected a hot wallet only, and all users were fully reimbursed. The platform has since reinforced its security infrastructure.

How fast is customer support?

Stake offers 24/7 live chat with response times generally under 5 minutes. Email support is also available for more complex issues.