Stake started out as a small online casino, but quickly grew into a global gambling giant. The founders, Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani, cleverly took advantage of the relaxed gambling regulations in Curacao. This allowed them to expand their empire internationally without much hassle.
In the meantime, they’ve made a splash with millions of contracts and collaborations with celebrities. But behind that glamorous image lies a company that, according to critics, pushes the boundaries of the law and sometimes even oversteps it.
How Stake became big with Premier League clubs and Drake
Stake doesn’t do things halfway when it comes to marketing. They sponsor major football clubs such as Everton FC and have a $100 million deal with rapper Drake. By working with sports teams and celebrities, the platform gains an image of reliability and status.
But let’s be honest: a well-known face doesn’t automatically mean everything is going smoothly. Behind the scenes, a completely different story is playing out.
Allegations of VPN tricks and banned gambling markets
Stake is accused of helping players circumvent gambling regulations. Can’t gamble in your country? No problem! Just use a VPN and you’ll still be able to play. This allows people in countries where online gambling is banned to still bet money.
It is also alleged that Stake is active in markets where they are not officially licensed. The casino continues to operate there, while local governments look on helplessly.
From gambling millions to a 47 million dollar mansion
Despite the criticism, the company is growing rapidly. One of the founders even bought a gigantic 47 million dollar mansion in New York. And that while Stake is officially banned there.
It raises questions: how can a company that is banned in some countries still make a lot of money there? And why can regulators not seem to stop them?
Can anyone stop Stake?
The government is trying to crack down on illegal gambling practices, but Stake always manages to stay one step ahead. They cleverly exploit loopholes and operate from countries where there is little oversight.
As long as there is demand for online gambling, companies like Stake will find ways to keep playing their game. The question is: will this circus keep going, or will the house of cards eventually collapse?