Stake.com: A Pioneering Crypto Casino Revolutionizing Online Gambling

Nearly ten years ago, a pair of ambitious entrepreneurs and visionaries saw the immense potential in the realms of online gambling and cryptocurrency. They went on to establish what is now a globally renowned online casino known as Stake.com, often simply referred to as Stake. Over the years, this crypto-backed online casino has shown significant growth, now serving millions of registered users and handling billions in transactions, both in traditional currency and cryptocurrency.

Despite its widespread popularity, there remains a curiosity about the ownership of Stake, the trailblazing online casino that has transformed the iGaming sector by integrating transparent, safe, and secure crypto transactions.

The Rise of a Global Crypto Casino Since 2017

In 2017, Australian entrepreneurs Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani established Stake.com. Today, this leading crypto-based casino operates under a company incorporated in Curacao, known as Medium Rare NV.

With an online license from Curacao, the company can extend its services to various jurisdictions around the world. This choice is not uncommon as many online casinos opt for licenses in Curacao or Malta, allowing them to reach millions of customers globally.

• Licensed in Curacao, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia
• Recently announced exit from the UK market

The Visionaries: Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani

Stake currently offers a diverse array of gambling options, from captivating casino games like roulette, blackjack, and slots, to a multitude of sports betting options. This premier crypto-based casino stands out for its fairness, innovation, and transparency, offering video streams with live dealers for engaging and unforgettable experiences.

While Stake’s success is undeniable, many are intrigued by the individuals behind this innovative crypto gambling platform: Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani. Their journey in the gambling industry began several years before Stake’s inception.

• 2013: Developed Primedice, an online dice game using cryptocurrency
• 2016: Established Easygo, an online casino games developer
• 2017: Co-founded Stake, expanding into sports betting in 2019

Stake.com supports a range of cryptocurrencies.

Stake’s Continuous Yearly Growth

While many gambling enthusiasts are aware of Stake’s ownership, few realize that Stake is a privately held company. This means that the crypto-backed online casino does not publicly trade its shares.

Nonetheless, this hasn’t hindered Stake’s continuous growth in customer base and market share, consistently strengthening year after year. This upward trajectory is supported by the platform’s rising revenue, which reportedly reached $2.6 billion in 2023, according to a Forbes Australia report.

More recently, another Forbes report estimated Ed Craven’s real-time net worth at $2.8 billion. Simultaneously, the report highlighted Stake.com’s revenue in 2024, which reached an astounding $4.7 billion.

It’s noteworthy that these impressive figures were achieved despite Stake’s services being unavailable in the United States. At the same time, as previously mentioned, Stake has announced its intention to withdraw from the UK market.

Confirming the forthcoming UK withdrawal, Stake explained that it ‘has made a strategic decision in mutual agreement with TGP Europe to exit white-label agreements and focus on securing local licenses through our in-house platform and operations, building upon our growth in key regulated markets such as our recent expansions into Italy and Brazil.’

Significant Expansion of the Crypto Casino

Stake’s substantial growth and increased popularity were aided by streamers on Twitch shortly after the pandemic. In 2022, the crypto casino platform collaborated with several prominent figures, including renowned streamers xQc, Trainwreckstv, and even the internationally acclaimed rapper and music icon, Drake. Partnering with Drake, Stake committed to ‘bringing an entirely new gaming experience to users.’

The growth of this premier crypto-based casino prompted Twitch to implement restrictions. In September 2022, the platform updated its policies, effectively banning the streaming of gambling activities such as slots and other casino games by operators that do not hold a license or operate in the United States.

These restrictions, aimed at consumer protection, also covered other jurisdictions. In response to the Twitch ban on Stake advertising, a new streaming platform called Kick was created, backed by Ed Craven, Bijan Tehrani, and Trainwreckstv, a well-known streamer and social media personality. Kick was established and launched in late 2022 as a competitor to Twitch.

Aggressive Marketing and High-Profile Sponsorships Fuel Stake’s Growth

Beyond supporting a range of fiat currencies and cryptocurrencies, Stake’s success can be attributed to aggressive marketing and advertising efforts. Since gaining traction in 2022, the online crypto casino and betting platform has secured numerous landmark sponsorships.

Notably, Stake.com announced a significant sponsorship by partnering with Israel Adesanya, the former UFC Middleweight Champion and MMA legend. This deal, dating back to 2021, saw the renowned fighter become a Brand Ambassador for the popular crypto casino and betting platform. Shortly thereafter, during the same year, Stake formed a partnership with UFC for the Asia and Latin American regions.

In 2022, Stake was designated an official betting partner of UFC in Asia and Latin America.

Subsequently, Stake joined forces with Sergio Aguero, the former Argentine football striker and legendary player who retired from football in 2021. The multi-year deal was announced by the company in 2022, naming the famous footballer as a Global Brand Ambassador.

Other notable partnerships announced by Stake include its first agreement with a football team. In 2021, the popular crypto casino platform allied with the English Premier League’s Watford Football Club, becoming its main partner.

The aforementioned sponsorships only scratch the surface of the extensive list of agreements announced by Stake. The innovative platform remains committed to expanding in markets worldwide, frequently unveiling new deals and exciting activations.

Stake.com Delivers Remarkable Experiences

The discussion over who owns Stake emphasizes the critical role its founders play in shaping the future of cryptocurrency-based wagering.

Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani’s groundbreaking product undeniably sets itself apart from competitors by merging the convenience, transparency, and security of cryptocurrency with online gambling. Ultimately, driven by innovation, Stake offers reliable and memorable experiences for its expanding global customer base.