Stake.IT

Founded: 2017-01-01 in Australia
Headquarters: Curaçao

Stake.IT is the Italian-facing domain of Stake.com, one of the world’s largest and highest-volume online casino and sports betting platforms. Founded in 2017 by Australian entrepreneurs Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, the brand is operated by Medium Rare N.V., a Curaçao-incorporated company that holds an online gambling licence. Stake built its reputation on pioneering cryptocurrency wagering – allowing users to deposit and withdraw in Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin and other digital currencies – while also offering traditional casino games (slots, blackjack, roulette, live dealer tables), sports betting, and poker. The platform attracts more than 80 million monthly visits and processes over 100 billion bets annually. Stake expanded into Italy in 2024 by acquiring the local operator Idealbet, subsequently launching stake.it to serve the Italian market under a locally secured licence. The brand is also known for high-profile sponsorships, including naming rights to the Sauber Formula 1 team (2024‑2025), a multi‑year partnership with the UFC, and a global partnership with the X Games League (2026). Despite its rapid growth, Stake has faced legal scrutiny; in April 2026, lawsuits were filed in New York and Florida alleging that the company targeted children with gambling advertisements.

Detailed Review

History and Expansion

Stake.IT operates as the Italian market entry of the globally dominant Stake.com brand. The parent company, Stake, was launched in 2017 by Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani, who first met as gamers and previously co‑founded Easygo, a game‑development studio for online casinos. Stake’s core differentiator has always been its cryptocurrency‑first model: users transact in crypto, enabling near‑instant deposits and withdrawals with lower transaction costs than fiat‑based competitors. The platform offers thousands of games from leading providers (e.g., Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming) alongside proprietary in‑house titles. Its sportsbook covers major leagues and esports, and a dedicated poker product was added in 2024.

Stake’s expansion into regulated markets has accelerated in the 2020s: a UK launch (via TGP Europe) in 2021, acquisition of Betfair Colombia in 2023, purchase of Italy’s Idealbet in 2024, followed by licences in Peru (2024), Brazil (2025), and Denmark (through the acquisition of MocinoPlay in 2025). The Italian operation, stake.it, is the direct result of the Idealbet acquisition, which gave Stake a licensed foothold in one of Europe’s largest regulated gambling markets. Stake.IT therefore offers a full suite of casino games and sports betting, compliant with Italian regulatory requirements (ADM licence). While the Italian domain shares the global platform’s technology and liquidity pools, localised payment methods and customer support are provided.

Marketing and Sponsorships

The brand’s marketing strategy is aggressive, leveraging sports and entertainment sponsorships to drive brand recognition. In 2022 it became an official betting partner of the UFC, and in 2023–2025 it held naming rights to the Stake F1 Team (Sauber). In January 2026, Stake was named the Exclusive Online Casino & Sports Betting Partner of the X Games League, with live streaming on Kick.com. These partnerships have propelled Stake’s user base worldwide, but also attracted controversy: a 2026 class‑action lawsuit claims the company deliberately marketed gambling to minors through social media and influencer campaigns.

Operations and Business Model

Operationally, Stake is known for its high‑volume, low‑margin model, with a strong emphasis on VIP programmes and rakeback incentives for crypto bettors. The company employs a lean, tech‑focused workforce, though exact headcount figures are not publicly disclosed. Its leadership remains Australia‑based in key roles, with Curaçao serving as the corporate domicile.

Key Products

Stake.com / Stake.it – Online Casino & Sportsbook
The core product offering slots, table games, live dealer, sports betting, and poker, with both crypto and fiat support.
Stake Sportsbook
Comprehensive sports betting covering major leagues, esports, and niche events, featuring live in-play odds and cash-out.
Stake Poker
Online poker room launched in 2024, offering Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and tournament series.
Stake Live Casino
Real-dealer games streamed from studios, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows.
Stake VIP Club
Tiered loyalty program with cashback, exclusive bonuses, and personal account managers.
Kick.com
Live-streaming platform co-founded by Stake backers, used for influencer marketing and broadcasting Stake-sponsored events.
Stake.com
Flagship online casino and sportsbook accepting cryptocurrency and fiat (in select regions). Offers slots, live dealer, table games, sports betting, and poker.
Stake.us
Sweepstakes casino for the United States market, using virtual currency (Stake Cash) to comply with sweepstakes laws.
Stake Originals
Proprietary in-house games: Crash, Limbo, Dice, Plinko, Mines, and more.
Kick.com (partnership)
Livestreaming platform used for Stake-sponsored content and live streams of events like X Games; deeply integrated with Stake’s marketing funnel.
Stake.com / Stake.IT Casino
Full online casino offering slots, table games, live dealer games, and proprietary in‑house titles. Accepts crypto and fiat (local currencies in regulated markets).
Stake.IT (Italian domain)
Localised version of the platform for Italy, regulated under an ADM licence following the acquisition of Idealbet in 2024.