Stake Casino Owner: An In-Depth Look
Introduction
Stake Casino has emerged as one of the most prominent names in the online gambling industry, known for its crypto-first approach, sleek platform, and massive global user base. But behind the brand, many people wonder: Who owns Stake Casino? This detailed overview explores the ownership, founders, background, controversies, and impact of Stake Casino’s leadership on its rapid rise.
Founding of Stake Casino
Stake Casino was founded in 2017 by two entrepreneurs, Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani. Both came from a background in online gambling, particularly in the provably fair gambling space, and had been involved in earlier projects like Primedice, one of the first major Bitcoin dice games.
Their idea was to create a crypto casino that was not just another slot or sportsbook but a community-driven platform that integrated blockchain technology deeply. They focused on transparent gameplay, lightning-fast crypto transactions, and an engaging user experience.
Who Is Edward Craven?
Edward Craven, often known online by his alias “Eddie”, is an Australian entrepreneur and the public face of Stake. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Craven became fascinated with crypto gambling at a young age. Before Stake, he was a co-founder and developer at Primedice, which gave him a deep understanding of both the technology and the player community.
Craven’s strengths lie in technical innovation and community engagement. He frequently interacts with Stake’s user base on social media, appears on streams, and sponsors events, making him a familiar figure to many in the crypto and gambling communities.
Who Is Bijan Tehrani?
Bijan Tehrani, the other co-founder, is a more private figure compared to Craven. Based in the United States, Tehrani was instrumental in shaping the business strategy and financial structure of Stake. He also came from the online gambling space and understood the legal and regulatory complexities of launching a crypto-based betting site.
While Craven handles much of the public-facing side, Tehrani is believed to be deeply involved in operational management, partnerships, and long-term growth planning.
Company Ownership and Structure
Stake operates under the corporate entity Medium Rare N.V., registered in Curaçao. This offshore jurisdiction is known for granting online gambling licenses, especially for crypto-based platforms.
Craven and Tehrani are the principal owners, but Stake has grown to include various stakeholders, including early investors, business partners, and possibly silent investors. However, the majority control is believed to still rest with the two founders.
Medium Rare N.V. has expanded its operations worldwide, including setting up dedicated brands like Stake UK (under a different license) and Stake.us for the U.S. sweepstakes market, which operates separately due to American gambling laws.
Leadership Philosophy
The leadership at Stake is characterized by:
- Innovation: Focus on blockchain, provably fair games, and cutting-edge tech.
- Community focus: Building loyalty through VIP programs, chat systems, giveaways, and influencer partnerships.
- Aggressive marketing: Sponsoring major names like Drake, UFC, Everton FC, and Alfa Romeo F1.
- Crypto-first mindset: Prioritizing Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies over fiat.
This approach has made Stake stand out in a crowded online gambling industry.
Controversies and Challenges
As Stake grew, it also attracted scrutiny:
- Legal issues: Operating globally with a Curaçao license raises questions about compliance in some countries, especially in stricter markets.
- Public lawsuits: In 2023, Edward Craven faced legal challenges from former business associates, including disputes over shares and ownership stakes.
- Regulatory adaptation: To enter markets like the UK or U.S., Stake had to create separate entities under stricter regulations, which required leadership flexibility.
Despite these challenges, the founders have largely maintained control and steered the company through turbulent waters.
Stake’s Impact on the Industry
Under the leadership of Craven and Tehrani, Stake has:
- Popularized crypto gambling globally.
- Made sponsorship deals that brought online casinos into mainstream sports and entertainment.
- Inspired a new generation of online gambling platforms to adopt crypto and blockchain technology.
Their ownership decisions, from tech investments to marketing moves, have helped redefine what a modern online casino can look like.
Current Leadership and Future Plans
As of now, Edward Craven remains the most visible leader, often giving interviews, attending public events, and engaging with influencers like Drake. Tehrani continues to operate behind the scenes, focusing on business growth.
The company’s future seems to involve:
- Expansion into regulated markets with country-specific brands.
- Greater adoption of decentralized technologies.
- Exploring new verticals like esports betting, metaverse gambling, and Web3 integrations.
The founders’ ownership is central to these ambitions, as they control the vision and direction.
Conclusion
Stake Casino’s owners, Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani, are more than just entrepreneurs—they are pioneers in the crypto gambling world. Through technical innovation, bold marketing, and a relentless focus on community, they have turned Stake into a powerhouse. While they face legal and regulatory hurdles, their leadership has so far managed to navigate the complex landscape and push the platform to new heights. Understanding who they are and how they run Stake offers valuable insight into why the brand has become one of the most recognized names in online gambling today.
