Stake Casino Ownership

Introduction

Stake Casino is one of the world’s most prominent online crypto casinos, known for its focus on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, and its wide variety of casino games and sports betting options. Since its founding, Stake has garnered attention not only for its innovative gambling platform but also for its influential owners and marketing strategies. Understanding the ownership of Stake gives insight into how the brand has grown into a powerhouse in the online gambling space.

Founding of Stake Casino

Stake Casino was founded in 2017 by two Australian entrepreneurs, Edward (Ed) Craven and Bijan Tehrani. Both men had previous experience in the online gambling world, particularly with the development of Primedice, one of the earliest and most successful Bitcoin dice games. Their experience with Primedice gave them both the capital and the expertise to launch Stake as a more ambitious project that combined cutting-edge crypto technology with a wide range of casino and betting products.

Edward Craven

Edward Craven, often called Ed Craven, is considered the public face of Stake Casino. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Ed is a young tech entrepreneur with a keen interest in blockchain and online gaming. Even in his early twenties, he was already making a name for himself in the crypto gambling space. With Stake, Ed positioned himself not only as a business owner but also as a cultural figure, frequently appearing in interviews, podcasts, and public events related to crypto, gaming, and sports.

Ed has emphasized building a user-first platform, focusing on transparency, fairness, and community involvement. Under his leadership, Stake has developed a reputation for fast withdrawals, provably fair games, and strong customer support, which helped it stand out in the crowded online casino market.

Bijan Tehrani

Bijan Tehrani, the co-founder and less publicly visible partner, has also played a crucial role in Stake’s success. Tehrani focuses more on the backend, operations, and technical development of the platform. His background in software development and online gaming was instrumental in building a secure and scalable infrastructure for Stake. While Ed Craven handles much of the public-facing work, Tehrani works behind the scenes to ensure the platform runs smoothly.

Stake’s Corporate Structure

Stake operates under a corporate entity called Medium Rare N.V., which is registered and licensed in Curaçao. The Curaçao eGaming license allows Stake to legally offer online gambling services in many jurisdictions, though it has faced regulatory scrutiny in some countries. The ownership of Medium Rare N.V. is tied directly to Craven and Tehrani, who hold the primary shares and control the company’s operations.

Although the company started in Australia, it does not hold an Australian gambling license and does not offer services to Australian residents due to local gambling regulations. Instead, its focus is on international markets, particularly in regions where crypto gambling is either legal or not heavily regulated.

Expansion and Marketing Partnerships

Stake’s ownership has used an aggressive marketing strategy to grow the brand. One of the most notable moves was partnering with international celebrities and athletes. Stake became particularly famous for signing Canadian rapper Drake as a brand ambassador. This partnership has drawn global attention, with Drake streaming live betting sessions, participating in massive giveaway campaigns, and becoming a central figure in Stake’s branding.

In addition, Stake has formed sponsorship deals with several sports teams and organizations, including partnerships with Premier League football clubs and UFC fighters. These deals have positioned Stake as not just a gambling site but as a recognizable entertainment brand.

Ownership Philosophy and Business Model

Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani have followed a philosophy of innovation, user-centered design, and aggressive growth. They have focused on building an ecosystem that feels different from traditional online casinos. By integrating cryptocurrencies, Stake has bypassed some of the limitations of fiat currency gambling, such as slow payment processing and restrictive banking regulations.

The owners have also prioritized community building, with active forums, chat rooms, and VIP programs that reward loyal players. Their business model relies not only on volume and betting turnover but also on creating a sense of belonging among users, which has led to a loyal player base.

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

As with many online gambling platforms, Stake’s ownership has faced legal challenges. Certain countries have cracked down on offshore gambling operators, leading Stake to restrict services in some jurisdictions. Despite these challenges, Craven and Tehrani have adapted by focusing on markets where crypto gambling faces fewer barriers, and by maintaining a legal framework through their Curaçao license.

Financial Success and Ownership Wealth

The success of Stake has made Ed Craven one of Australia’s youngest multimillionaires. Reports in Australian media suggest his personal wealth has reached hundreds of millions of dollars, much of it attributed to the massive success of Stake. Though Bijan Tehrani is less visible in media reports, he is believed to have a similarly significant financial stake in the company.

Future of Stake and Ownership Vision

Looking ahead, the owners have expressed interest in expanding beyond crypto gambling. There have been discussions of potential entry into regulated fiat markets, development of new gaming products, and further celebrity collaborations. The vision of the ownership team remains focused on growth, innovation, and maintaining their position as a leader in crypto gaming.

Conclusion

Stake Casino’s ownership is deeply tied to its identity as a brand. Edward Craven and Bijan Tehrani’s combination of technical expertise, marketing savvy, and innovative use of cryptocurrency has transformed Stake from a niche crypto casino into a global online gaming powerhouse. Their leadership continues to shape the direction of the platform, influencing not only the gambling industry but also the broader conversation around crypto and entertainment.