One thing you can bet on: more lawsuits against the online casino Stake.
The offshore online gambling platform Stake.us is facing mounting legal battles over the alleged harm and widespread financial destruction caused by its product.
In mid-August 2025, Stake, based out of Curacao and Cyprus, was sued again in U.S. federal court by a former gambler.
The latest lawsuit brings the total number to at least six — all filed in 2025.
- California (February 2025)
- Illinois (April 2025)
- Alabama (May 2025)
- Massachusetts (May 2025)
- South Carolina (August 2025)
- Minnesota (August 2025)
The lawsuits allege that Stake.us actively preys on Americans with problem gambling. They also accuse Stake of operating as an illegal online casino.
Stake US Lawsuits Challenge Biz Model
Stake.us operates under the so-called sweepstakes model, which allows limited use of the platform for free. It’s the same legal loophole that McDonald’s Monopoly uses to offer lottery-style gambling.
Gamblers on Stake purchase a virtual currency that is worthless outside the platform. Stake’s currency can be redeemed for cryptocurrency.
The gambling platform also calls itself a “social casino” and is a UFC gambling partner. Social casinos like Stake have led to separate lawsuits against Google and Apple for hosting the gambling app.
The gambler lawsuits allege that Stake.us circumvents U.S. gambling law through a deceptive and predatory business model.
In August 2025, attorneys general from 50 states urged the U.S. Department of Justice to crack down on offshore online gambling sites like Stake.
States like Arizona and Louisiana have issued cease-and-desist orders against Stake.
According to litigation against Stake, the platform handles over 4% of all Bitcoin transactions in the world.
“Stake processes $219 billion in Bitcoin transactions annually, an amount that far exceeds the financial turnover of many legitimate financial institutions,” one of the Stake lawsuits said. “In 2024 alone, Stake.com reported revenues of $4.7 billion.”
Is Stake US a Legit Casino?
No, Stake.us is an illegal and illegitimate online casino, according to at least six federal lawsuits in the United States.
Federal and state authorities are looking closely at Stake for alleged illegal gambling.
Your money is not safe on or with Stake.
Furthermore, many users have said that the games on Stake are rigged and the platform lacks responsive or helpful customer service.
Gambling Harm recommends that you avoid Stake.us if you are in the U.S.
What are the Risks of Using Stake?
There are many risks associated with playing on Stake.us, according to at least six federal lawsuits and statements from state government officials.
The alleged risks include:
- Underage gambling
- Identity theft
- Fraud
- Damaged credit score
- Rigged games
- Gambling addiction
While Stake mentions so-called “responsible” gambling on its website, no regulator is holding it accountable for mitigating addiction.
Related: Responsible Gambling A Farce, W.H.O. Says
Help for Stake Gambling Addiction
You’re not alone if you have developed an addiction to Stake or similar online casinos.
If you’re struggling with gambling on Stake.com or Stake.us, support is available.
Call 1-800-GAMBLER in the U.S. for free, confidential help 24/7.
You can also use gambling-blocking apps like GamBan, and ask your bank to stop gambling transactions.
Recovery is possible with counseling, peer groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, and support from loved ones.
You can recover from a gambling addiction to Stake and other similar platforms.
Discover more from GamblingHarm.org
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