growth story illustrates how online gaming, cryptocurrency payments and global sports marketing can converge into a powerful digital entertainment brand. Launched in 2017 by Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani, the platform entered a fast-developing crypto gambling market with a clear proposition: give eligible users a broad gaming and betting experience built around digital assets, rapid platform access and highly visible brand partnerships.
Operating through Medium Rare N.V., Stake developed from a crypto-focused casino into a widely recognised name across casino gaming, live-dealer entertainment and sports betting. Its expansion was supported by a large game portfolio, proprietary titles, support for multiple cryptocurrencies and ambitious sponsorship activity involving online personalities, musicians, football clubs and combat sports organisations.
For the broader online gaming sector, Stake’s trajectory demonstrates the commercial potential of combining product depth with cultural relevance. Its approach has helped make crypto gambling more visible to mainstream audiences, while also showing why licensing, market restrictions and responsible access remain central considerations in a heavily regulated industry.
Launch and Early Positioning
launched in 2017, several years after Bitcoin had begun gaining traction as a payment method in online gambling. By that point, cryptocurrency had already created a new category of gaming platforms designed around blockchain-enabled payments rather than traditional banking methods alone.
The platform was founded by Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani, who are also associated with Easygo Gaming. Stake’s operating structure has been linked to Medium Rare N.V., a Curaçao-headquartered entity. The business has operated under licensing arrangements relevant to the markets it serves, including Curaçao-based licensing and UK-facing arrangements for eligible customers. As with any gambling operator, the precise products, entities and permissions available can vary by jurisdiction and may change over time.
This legal and operational framework mattered because crypto gambling faces different rules across the world. Rather than treating global availability as a given, Stake’s model has depended on identifying markets where its services can be offered lawfully and restricting access where local laws or licensing requirements prohibit crypto gambling activity.
Why the 2017 timing was important
Stake entered the market when two trends were accelerating at the same time. First, online casino and sportsbook products were becoming more accessible through desktop and mobile devices. Second, public awareness of cryptocurrencies was expanding rapidly, particularly around Bitcoin and other major digital assets.
That combination created an opportunity for platforms that could make cryptocurrency useful in a familiar entertainment setting. Instead of positioning digital assets solely as an investment or trading vehicle, crypto casinos offered a practical use case for deposits, withdrawals and wagering by eligible users.
- Online gaming growth: Casino and sportsbook audiences were increasingly comfortable using digital-first entertainment platforms.
- Crypto adoption: Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies gained wider recognition among internet-native audiences.
- Demand for choice: Players sought multiple game formats, payment options and betting markets in one destination.
- Streaming culture: Gaming content, personalities and live broadcasts became influential channels for reaching engaged communities.
The Crypto Casino Value Proposition
Crypto casinos became attractive to some users because they offered an alternative payment experience to conventional card-based or bank-based gambling platforms. Blockchain transactions can provide operational benefits such as digital-asset compatibility and, depending on the network and circumstances, potentially efficient transfers. However, transaction times, fees, volatility and compliance requirements can differ substantially by cryptocurrency and network conditions.
Stake built its identity around crypto wagering, making digital assets a core part of the user experience rather than an added payment option. That positioning helped the platform appeal to users already familiar with wallets, tokens and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Support for a broad range of digital assets
As reported in 2022, Stake supported 19 cryptocurrencies after expanding its available asset list. The selection included established cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and meme coins, enabling users to choose assets that aligned with their own preferences and risk tolerance.
| Asset category | Examples reported as supported in 2022 | Potential user appeal |
|---|---|---|
| Major cryptocurrencies | Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash | Recognisable assets with established market presence |
| Alternative networks and tokens | EOS, Tron, XRP, BNB, Chainlink, Polygon, Uniswap, ApeCoin, The Sandbox | Broader ecosystem access for users holding different crypto assets |
| Stablecoins | BUSD, Dai, Tether, USD Coin | Designed to track a reference asset, often the US dollar, though stability is not guaranteed |
| Meme coins | Dogecoin, Shiba Inu | Popular community-driven assets with high public visibility |
The inclusion of stablecoins was especially notable because many crypto assets can experience substantial price movements. Stablecoins are generally designed to maintain a value close to an underlying reference asset, commonly a fiat currency. That design can make them appealing to users who want to limit exposure to the price volatility associated with assets such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, although stablecoins still carry their own issuer, reserve, liquidity and de-pegging risks.
Meme coins added a different kind of appeal. Assets such as Dogecoin and Shiba Inu became well known through internet culture and highly active online communities. Supporting such coins helped Stake speak to a broad, digitally engaged audience that often follows both gaming and cryptocurrency trends.
A Diverse Casino and Live-Dealer Portfolio
A major strength in Stake’s growth strategy was product breadth. The platform offered a wide selection of casino formats, including slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, table games, jackpots and live-dealer products. The source material describing Stake’s early expansion highlighted more than 40 live-dealer games, while also characterising the live casino selection as one of the wider offerings in the crypto casino space at the time.
This variety matters because online casino audiences do not all want the same experience. Some users prefer the fast pace of slots, others value the social feel of live-dealer games, and others look for familiar table-game rules or interactive game-show formats. By serving multiple preferences, a platform can create more entry points for eligible users.
Key game categories associated with Stake
- Live casino: Live-dealer roulette, blackjack, baccarat and game-show-style formats.
- Slots: A wide assortment of standard, jackpot and feature-driven slot games.
- Table games: Digital versions of classic casino formats for users who prefer recognisable rules.
- Proprietary casino games: Stake-branded titles designed to give the platform a more distinctive product identity.
- Sports betting: Pre-match and event-based wagering across a range of sports and competitions.
Proprietary games as a brand differentiator
In addition to third-party casino content, Stake became associated with proprietary titles such as Crash, Keno, Dice, Limbo, Hilo, Mines, Scarab Spin, Blue Samurai, Slide, Video Poker and Wheel. These games helped distinguish the platform from competitors that rely exclusively on a shared catalogue of supplier content.
Original games can be commercially valuable because they create recognisable experiences that are closely associated with one platform. For users, proprietary titles can add novelty and provide alternatives to conventional casino formats. For the operator, they can support brand recall, product differentiation and a more coherent entertainment identity.
Stake’s growth was not built around a single feature. It combined crypto payment support, casino variety, sports betting and highly visible marketing into one connected platform proposition.
Sports Betting Expanded Stake’s Audience
Casino gaming formed an important part of Stake’s offering, but sports betting gave the brand another major route to audience growth. Sportsbooks can attract customers who may have little interest in slots or casino tables but follow football, basketball, tennis, combat sports and other competitive events closely.
The sports betting catalogue described in the 2022 coverage included markets around football, tennis, basketball, handball, American football, golf, ice hockey, motor racing and futsal. Football was particularly important because of its global audience and the value of top-tier club partnerships in building name recognition.
Why sports betting and casino products work well together
From a product perspective, a combined casino and sportsbook platform can offer users more flexibility. A person who visits for a major football match may also discover casino content, while an existing casino user may become interested in betting on a tournament or league they follow. This cross-category model can strengthen engagement without requiring the brand to depend on one single type of entertainment.
For Stake, sports betting also supported a marketing strategy centred on teams, athletes, events and fan communities. Sponsorship visibility placed the brand in front of audiences that may not necessarily follow crypto channels or casino streaming content.
Marketing Through Streaming, Celebrity and Sports
Stake’s rise was closely linked to an assertive global marketing strategy. Rather than relying only on search advertising or conventional affiliate promotion, the brand pursued partnerships that connected it with online entertainment culture and professional sport.
This approach made Stake especially visible during a period when Twitch gambling content was attracting substantial attention. Streamers and content creators could introduce casino gameplay to large live audiences, making the platform part of wider conversations around gaming, crypto and digital entertainment.
Twitch personalities and livestream visibility
Stake worked with prominent online personalities, including streamers and creator groups associated with casino content. Names reported in connection with Stake-related streaming included Adin Ross, xQc, the Nelk Boys and TrainwrecksTV. Drake also featured in Stake-related livestreaming activity in 2022.
Streaming provided a format that was highly compatible with the platform’s entertainment-led positioning. Live content can create immediacy, audience interaction and social proof, while also allowing viewers to see game mechanics and betting moments unfold in real time. At the same time, platform rules regarding gambling content can evolve, meaning creators and brands must adapt their content strategies to current policies and local regulations.
Drake and mainstream cultural visibility
The association with Drake added substantial cultural reach. Celebrity partnerships can bring a digital gaming brand beyond specialist crypto audiences and into mainstream entertainment discussions. For Stake, this visibility complemented its gaming proposition by helping establish a brand identity that was connected to music, sport, streaming and online culture.
High-profile ambassadors do not replace product quality or compliance, but they can accelerate awareness when supported by a clear platform offering. In Stake’s case, celebrity exposure worked alongside a growing casino catalogue, sportsbook presence and a crypto-native payment model.
Football sponsorships
Football partnerships became another central pillar of Stake’s international profile. The brand has appeared through sponsorship relationships involving English clubs such as Watford and Everton. Shirt sponsorship and club partnerships can generate repeated visibility across broadcasts, social media, matchday coverage and fan conversations.
For a sportsbook and casino brand, football offers scale that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. Major leagues attract international audiences, and club partnerships can help introduce the brand to supporters in multiple markets. Such arrangements are nevertheless subject to advertising rules, gambling regulations and league or club policies that may differ by country.
UFC partnerships and combat-sports reach
Stake also expanded its presence in combat sports through partnerships with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It was announced as an official betting partner in Latin America, initially excluding Brazil, before the relationship expanded. The brand also developed connections with UFC talent, including Israel Adesanya.
These partnerships aligned well with the sportsbook side of Stake’s business. Combat sports audiences are highly engaged around major events, and official partnerships can help a betting brand gain credibility, event visibility and direct relevance among fans.
How Stake Combined Its Growth Drivers
Stake’s development was driven by several mutually reinforcing elements rather than one isolated innovation. Its model connected payments, content, betting and marketing in a way that made the brand easier to recognise across different digital communities.
| Growth driver | How it supported the brand |
|---|---|
| Crypto-first payments | Appealed to users who wanted to use Bitcoin, altcoins, stablecoins and other digital assets for eligible wagering activity. |
| Large game selection | Created choice across live casino, slots, table games, proprietary titles and sports betting. |
| Exclusive content | Helped differentiate Stake through recognisable branded games and a distinct product experience. |
| Creator visibility | Connected the platform with livestreaming communities and internet-native entertainment audiences. |
| Celebrity association | Expanded awareness beyond crypto and gambling niches into wider pop-culture conversations. |
| Sports sponsorships | Put the brand in front of football and UFC audiences across international markets. |
| Market-specific operations | Supported expansion through licensing arrangements and access controls tailored to applicable rules. |
The result was a platform that became known not only as a place to gamble with cryptocurrency, but also as a high-visibility entertainment and sports betting brand. This combination is a useful case study for businesses exploring how product design and brand partnerships can work together in a competitive online market.
Licensing, Availability and Market Restrictions
Stake’s international visibility should not be confused with universal availability. Online gambling, crypto asset services and gambling advertising are regulated differently across jurisdictions. The availability of Stake products depends on applicable local law, licensing conditions and the operator’s own eligibility controls.
The 2022 reporting noted that Stake was unavailable in a number of jurisdictions where crypto gambling was prohibited or restricted, including the United States, France, Australia, North Korea and the Netherlands. Market access, product availability and regulatory status can change, so users should always verify whether an operator is authorised for their specific location before attempting to register or use a service.
Why compliance remains essential
For all online gambling brands, compliance is a business foundation rather than a secondary feature. Licensing requirements can cover customer verification, anti-money-laundering controls, age restrictions, responsible gambling measures, data protection, advertising practices and payment processes. A platform’s ability to operate sustainably depends on meeting the standards that apply in each market.
Crypto does not remove these obligations. While blockchain-based payments can offer a different transaction method, gambling operators still need to manage legal, financial and consumer-protection responsibilities. Users should also understand that cryptocurrency values can fluctuate sharply, and gambling always carries a risk of loss.
Responsible Participation Matters
The fast-moving combination of crypto and gambling can be exciting, but it is important to approach it carefully. Casino games and sports betting are forms of paid entertainment, not reliable ways to make money. Past wins, influencer content and high-profile promotions do not predict future outcomes.
- Only participate where online gambling is legal and where you meet the minimum age requirements.
- Set a clear entertainment budget before depositing or wagering.
- Do not chase losses or treat gambling as an investment strategy.
- Understand the volatility and transfer considerations of any cryptocurrency used.
- Review available account controls, limits and self-exclusion options where applicable.
- Seek support promptly if gambling stops feeling manageable.
These principles are particularly relevant in crypto gambling because users may face two separate sources of financial risk: wagering losses and changes in the market value of the digital assets they hold.
What Rise Means for the Online Gaming Industry
Stake’s rise from a 2017 launch to a major name in crypto gambling reflects a broader shift in online entertainment. Users increasingly expect flexible payment options, diverse content libraries, mobile-friendly access and brands that connect with the sports, creators and communities they already follow.
The platform’s story also shows the importance of differentiation. A large catalogue of games is valuable, but original titles, multiple crypto options, sports betting depth and memorable partnerships can create a more complete proposition. Stake used these elements to build visibility in a crowded market and demonstrate the reach that a crypto-native gaming brand can achieve.
At the same time, the sector’s future will remain closely tied to regulation. Platforms that seek long-term growth need to balance innovation with licensing, market controls and responsible gambling safeguards. That balance is especially important as governments continue to refine rules around online betting, cryptocurrency payments and advertising.
Conclusion: A Crypto Gaming Brand Built for Visibility
development highlights the commercial power of combining technology, entertainment and sport. Founded by Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani in 2017, the platform built momentum through a crypto-first approach, a substantial casino and live-dealer catalogue, proprietary games, sports betting and far-reaching partnerships.
Its support for a broad range of digital assets, including Bitcoin, stablecoins and meme coins, helped it appeal to users across the cryptocurrency landscape. Its investments in creators, Drake, football sponsorships and UFC relationships helped transform that product offering into a globally visible brand.
For eligible users in permitted jurisdictions, Stake’s rise demonstrates why crypto gambling became one of the most prominent intersections of blockchain and online gaming; readers can learn more about the company’s development in the source coverage. For the industry as a whole, it remains an example of how product variety, strong branding and strategic partnerships can drive rapid recognition—provided expansion is supported by responsible practices and careful compliance with local rules.
