Stake Casino Owner

If you're an American gambler, you've likely seen ads for Stake.com or heard streamers talking about it. It's huge, but its ownership has always been a bit of a mystery. Who actually owns and runs Stake Casino, and is it a safe bet for US players? Let's cut through the hype and look at the real people and companies behind the brand.

Who Is Edward Craven?

The public face of Stake is Edward Craven, an Australian entrepreneur in his late 20s. He's listed as a co-founder and director. You'll see him in interviews and on social media. Craven represents the brand's modern, crypto-first approach, but he's not the sole owner. The operational and financial backbone is more complex and ties directly to the company's ability to serve the US market.

The Role of Medium Rare N.V.

Stake.com is operated by Medium Rare N.V., a company registered in Curaçao. This is the entity that holds the gaming license (license number 8048/JAZ). For US players, this is a critical detail. Unlike BetMGM or Caesars, which hold state-specific licenses in New Jersey, Michigan, or Pennsylvania, Stake operates under an offshore license. This means it's not directly regulated by US authorities like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

Stake's US Strategy and Partnerships

Because of strict US gambling laws, Stake can't operate its main .com site openly for US customers on a federal level. Instead, it uses a network of partnerships with licensed tribal casinos to offer real-money online casino games in specific states. For example, Stake.us operates as a social casino with sweepstakes models, which is legal in most states. For real-money play, they partner with entities like the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Texas for a licensed, geo-fenced offering. This layered structure is key to understanding their presence in America.

How Does This Compare to Major US Casino Brands?

Let's be clear: Stake's ownership structure is nothing like a publicly traded US operator. DraftKings Casino is answerable to shareholders and state gaming commissions. BetMGM is a joint venture between MGM Resorts and Entain, subject to intense regulatory scrutiny. Stake's private, offshore-based model allows for different perks, like instant crypto deposits with Bitcoin or Ethereum and global accessibility, but it comes with a different risk profile for the player. You won't be dealing with a customer service line regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Is Stake Safe for US Players?

Safety depends on what you value. If you prioritize anonymity, cryptocurrency use, and a vast selection of provably fair games and slots, Stake has built a strong reputation in the crypto-gambling community. However, if your priority is the consumer protection laws of a state like New Jersey or Pennsylvania, where you can file a complaint with a government agency if BetRivers or Borgata Online doesn't pay out, you won't have that recourse with Stake. You're relying on their Curaçao license and their brand's desire to maintain goodwill.

FAQ