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    Stake.com Poker Code

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    Visit Stake Poker

    The Stake.com Poker code is NEWBONUS

    • Latest Stake.com Codes and Offers
    • How to Use the Stake.com Code
    • Payment Methods in Canada
    • Stake Poker in Canada
    • Game Variety
    • Player Traffic
    • Rake & Rewards
    • Tournaments and Rewards
    • Software Quality
    • Mobile App
    • Customer Support
    The Stake.com code is NEWBONUS. This code can be used by new players when signing up at Stake’s online poker platform to unlock exclusive benefits. The code allows players to get up to $3000 in bonus money as well as and access to extra rewards.

    The NEWBONUS code unlocks a 200% deposit bonus. Additionally, using the promo code allows entry into special promotions like daily freeroll tournaments with sizable prize pools. 

    Stake is a well-known brand in the online gambling world. Established in 2017 as a cryptocurrency casino and sportsbook, Stake quickly became a market leader in crypto betting, famous for its huge selection of casino games and sports markets. In 2024, Stake expanded into real-money online poker on its global platform

    This move brought Stake’s reputation and resources into the poker arena. Poker players might be inclined to play at Stake for a few reasons: Stake has a massive user base and a crypto-first infrastructure, meaning deposits and withdrawals are extremely fast (often near-instant) and available in many cryptocurrencies. 

    The brand is also known for its high-profile partnerships (celebrity ambassadors like Drake, UFC sponsorships, etc.), which adds to its credibility and fame. For poker specifically, Stake offers a modern platform integrated within the casino site, allowing casino and sports bettors to easily jump into poker – this often results in softer competition at the poker tables, as many players are casual gamblers rather than seasoned poker pros. 

    In summary, the Stake Poker promo code is your key to claiming an ongoing rakeback bonus as a new player, and the platform itself appeals due to Stake’s strong reputation, quick crypto payouts, and potentially fishy (weak) player pool.

    Latest Stake.com Codes and Offers

    Stake’s latest poker promotion for new players centers around freeroll access. Here’s a summary in a quick-reference table:

    ProductPromo CodeBonus Details
    Stake Poker  NEWBONUS 200% deposit bonus up to $3000 
    Notes: All promo codes are for new players only. Code works across Canada and globally at Stake.com. Players must be aged 18+ in Canada (19+ in Ontario). Terms and Conditions apply. To claim the bonus (maximum value $3000) you need to open an account using the NEWBONUS code. All welcome bonuses are subject to wagering requirements of (Deposit+Bonus)*35x. Bonus can be claimed via live support and is available to verified players (KYC required). Code last checked 22 February 2025 and confirmed as working.

    How to Use the Stake.com Code

    Redeeming the Stake Poker promo code is simple and works similar to Stake’s other sign-up offers. Follow these steps to claim your deal.

    1.Visit Stake’s Website: Go to Stake.com (for Canadian players outside Ontario – see regional notes below) and click on the Register button. This will open the account creation form.

    2.Fill Sign-Up Details + Code: Enter the required information (username, email, password, date of birth, etc.). You will see an input field labeled “Code” or “Promo Code (Optional)”. Here, type in the Stake Poker promo code – for example, NEWBONUS – into that field. . Make sure the code is applied before finalizing registration.

    3.Complete Registration: Finish creating your account. Since Stake is crypto-based, you won’t have to provide extensive personal details beyond basics (though you should use a real email for verification and account recovery). No deposit is needed to activate the rakeback; simply entering the code links it to your account.

    4.Access Freerolls: With your new account, navigate to the Poker section on Stake (it’s integrated in their site menu). The exclusive freerolls (often called “Grand Slam Freeroll” or similar) should be listed in the tournament lobby. 

    These freerolls run multiple times a day (e.g., four times a day according to some sources) and are open to eligible players. Simply register for these tournaments at the scheduled times – no entry fee needed. Your code affiliation grants you the ability to join and compete for the free prize money.

    5.Deposit and Play (optional): To fully enjoy Stake Poker, you’ll likely want to deposit crypto to play real money cash games or buy into other tournaments. Click on the Wallet and deposit any supported cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, etc., or use the integrated MoonPay to buy crypto with CAD – see Payment section below). 

    6.Code Legitimacy: The Stake Poker promo code is an official, vetted code provided through Stake’s affiliate program. Stake’s registration form explicitly includes an optional code field, indicating Stake’s support for such promotions. So entering the code is perfectly legitimate and endorsed by Stake – it’s not a hack or cheat, but rather a way Stake tracks referrals and grants the promised bonus to the player. 

    The NEWBONUS code won’t expire as long as the promotion is in effect, but it’s always best to use it during sign-up because you cannot retroactively apply a code after creating an account. Also, note that each player/account can only use one code once. In summary, this code is a safe and authorized way for Canadian players to ensure they receive extra value (rakeback) on Stake Poker.

    Regional Availability: Stake’s services are available to Canadian players in most provinces, with one key exception: Ontario. Stake does not operate in Ontario due to the province’s regulated market (Stake hasn’t obtained an Ontario license yet). If you are in Ontario, Stake will be geo-blocked and you won’t be able to access the poker (or any other) section legitimately. 

    Stake has hinted at launching a regulated site (Stake.ca) for Ontario, but as of the latest update, Ontario residents cannot play on Stake’s  site. Players in all other Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Nova Scotia, etc.) can access Stake legally, since outside Ontario, online gambling at offshore sites is not prohibited for individuals. 

    Thus, the promo code will work for Canadians except those physically located in Ontario. If you travel outside Ontario, you could use it (the location is what matters).

    For those in eligible regions, using the code and playing Stake Poker should pose no issues. Stake is fully functional across Canada (again, minus Ontario), and even specifically caters to Canadians with certain payment methods and support (see sections below). Always ensure you meet your province’s legal gambling age (18 or 19, depending on the province). 

    If you are in Ontario, you’ll have to wait until Stake launches a compliant platform or consider other licensed poker options, as the code and site access won’t be applicable. VPN usage to bypass region locks is against Stake’s terms of service; it’s not recommended as it could risk your account. So, the bottom line: in Canada outside Ontario, Stake Poker and its promo code are available and fully functional.

    Pros and cons of Stake Poker

    Soft games

    Crypto convenience

    Reputable brand

    Other gambling options

    Instant play, no download

    Low traffic

    Crypto-only (no fiat):

    No traditional welcome bonus

    Limited game variety


    Reputation of the Brand

    Stake enjoys a strong reputation in the online gambling industry, which extends positively to its new poker vertical. As a brand, Stake is often regarded as “reputable and professional”, with proper licensing and a huge community of users. 

    It holds a Curaçao eGaming license and has operated since 2017 without major incident. In fact, Stake has processed billions in wagers across casino and sports betting, and has a 4.2/5 Trustpilot score based on thousands of reviews – an indicator of a satisfied user base and reliable operations.

    For poker specifically, Stake is the newcomer, but it brings along this big-brand trust. Many players feel comfortable trying Stake Poker precisely because they know Stake is financially solid and not a fly-by-night site. The company’s high-profile partnerships (like sponsoring Premier League football clubs, UFC events, having celebs like Drake play on Stake) reinforce that this is a serious platform, not a shady operation. 

    This credibility is a big plus – you can be confident that cashouts will be honored, prizes will be paid, and the game isn’t rigged, because Stake’s entire business depends on its reputation.
    The perception among poker players so far: Stake Poker is seen as a promising new room with huge backing. Early adopters mention that the software is decent and the games are soft, partly because of the cross-over traffic from Stake’s casino. 

    There is excitement that Stake’s entry could grow the poker pie (bringing new players in). However, some experienced players take a “wait and see” approach for a final verdict, simply because it’s new. The good news is Stake has no history of scandals like some smaller poker sites have faced. 

    They have been fair in their other gambling products – for instance, Stake’s casino games are provably fair and their sportsbook is competitive with payouts; these practices carry over a mindset of fairness to poker as well. Stake is also known for having a robust anti-fraud team for their platform generally, which bodes well for catching collusion or bots in poker quickly.

    In Canada, Stake was already popular among crypto casino users, and that goodwill translates to poker. Many Canadian gamblers know Stake as a top site and are inclined to trust it. The only dent in Stake’s reputation for Canadians might be the Ontario shutdown (some Ontario players were disappointed when they had to cash out and leave due to regulation). 

    But that’s a legal compliance issue, not Stake doing anything wrong. For those outside Ontario, Stake is 100% legal and legit to play, as confirmed by Canadian gaming portals.

    In summary, Stake’s brand reputation is excellent. The poker room inherits this and thus starts with a high level of trust from the community. You can feel safe depositing and playing there as a Canadian player. The company’s track record suggests they will invest in making their poker product as reputable as their casino – they’ve already integrated it fully, and any misstep would hurt their broader brand. 

    So far, player feedback on withdrawals from Stake Poker (winnings) has been positive – crypto cashouts remain as fast as ever. If any issues arise, Stake’s visibility means they’d be quick to address them to maintain their image. Overall, Stake’s name carries weight, and that’s a big advantage in the crowded online poker landscape.

    Payment Methods in Canada

    Stake is a crypto-only platform, but it provides a variety of convenient options for Canadian players to fund their accounts with CAD indirectly and to withdraw their winnings. Here’s what you need to know about payments on Stake as a Canadian:

    Supported Cryptocurrencies: Stake supports a wide range of cryptos for deposits and withdrawals. Major ones include Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Dogecoin (DOGE), Ripple (XRP), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Tether (USDT), Tron (TRX), EOS, and more. 

    Each currency has its own deposit address. Many Canadian players use Bitcoin or Ethereum due to familiarity, or Tether (USDT) because it’s a stablecoin pegged to USD, avoiding volatility. Depositing crypto to Stake is straightforward: copy your Stake wallet address for the coin and send from your personal wallet. There are no deposit fees charged by Stake (just the standard blockchain fee).

    Direct CAD Deposit Options: Even though Stake doesn’t accept fiat directly into the platform, they have integrated services to make it easy for Canadians to use CAD. One popular method is MoonPay integration. MoonPay on Stake allows you to purchase cryptocurrency using methods like credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or bank transfer. For example, you can buy Bitcoin or USDT via MoonPay using your Canadian Visa/MasterCard or even via Apple Pay on your iPhone.

    This crypto is then delivered into your Stake account. Essentially, MoonPay acts as a bridge from CAD (or whatever currency your card uses) to crypto inside Stake. There may be some fees and KYC required by MoonPay (they might ask for ID on your first purchase), but it’s very convenient and built into the Stake “Deposit” interface.

    Interac e-Transfer: Stake has also enabled a method for Canadians to use Interac e-Transfer through a partnership. On the Stake deposit page, if you select CAD, you might see Interac e-Transfer as an option. This works via an intermediary (sometimes using the MuchBetter e-wallet or other payment processors). 

    Essentially, you send an Interac to a provided email (or use an e-transfer gateway), and that gets converted into crypto in your Stake account. According to guides, it’s instant or very quick and allows you to deposit CAD directly which is then shown as a crypto balance on Stake.

    Many Canadian users love this because Interac is familiar and widely used in Canada. Stake listing Interac indicates their focus on the Canadian market.

    MuchBetter and Other Wallets: Stake lists MuchBetter as a payment option for CAD as well
    MuchBetter is an e-wallet popular in Canada that can handle CAD and crypto transactions. You can top up MuchBetter via Interac or card, then deposit to Stake via MuchBetter. 

    It’s another route similar to MoonPay in outcome. Additionally, methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay are indirectly usable via MoonPay or other integrated services

    Withdrawals: For cashing out, Stake requires you to withdraw via crypto as well. You go to Wallet -> Withdraw, choose your cryptocurrency and amount, and input your personal wallet address. 

    For Canadians who don’t want to hold crypto, you’d simply withdraw USDT or BTC to your wallet, then use a service like Bitbuy, Newton, or Shakepay (Canadian crypto exchanges) to sell that crypto for CAD and then withdraw to your bank. 

    While it’s an extra step compared to something like a direct bank payout, it’s usually quite fast. Some of these exchanges support Interac for withdrawals, meaning you could get CAD in your bank within the same day of cashing out from Stake. 

    Stake’s withdrawal processing is typically instant or just a few minutes (they might have a short manual review for very large amounts). There are no withdrawal fees from Stake beyond the blockchain network fee.

    Currency Conversion: Stake allows you to play in various currency displays (like showing your balance in USD or CAD equivalent), but internally it’s crypto. If you deposit BTC and want to play with stable value, Stake has an option to convert to USDT or a stable currency. That way, you’re not exposed to BTC price swings while playing poker.

    Limits: The minimum deposit is very low in crypto (e.g., 0.0002 BTC or similar, which is manageable). Minimum withdrawal exists too but also small. Maximums are high since crypto has no strict limit – Stake is known for accommodating high-rollers, so large deposits and withdrawals of even 7-figure amounts have been done via crypto. 

    For most Canadian players, your comfort is the daily or weekly limits on Interac if you use that; otherwise, Stake itself won’t limit you much.

    For Canadians, Stake offers a crypto-first but fiat-friendly payment experience. You benefit from crypto’s speed – deposits show up in minutes, withdrawals processed quickly – and Stake’s integration of Interac and card payments makes getting money in and out quite user-friendly despite the crypto nature. 

    It’s advisable for new players to familiarize themselves with a reliable Canadian crypto exchange as part of the process, but Stake has done a lot to streamline things. If you’re already into crypto, you’ll find Stake a breeze. If you’re new to crypto, Stake provides enough tools (MoonPay, etc.) to make the process as painless as possible. 

    Just remember that with crypto, you should double-check wallet addresses and perhaps start with a small test transaction until you’re comfortable, as crypto transactions are irreversible if sent to the wrong place. Overall, Stake is one of the more convenient crypto poker options for Canadian players thanks to these various payment methods

    Stake Poker in Canada

    Stake’s global platform is widely available in Canada except for Ontario. Here’s the breakdown of its availability:

    Outside Ontario: In all Canadian provinces and territories other than Ontario, there are no laws preventing individuals from playing on offshore gambling sites. Stake, being based offshore and licensed in Curaçao, falls under this category. It is completely legal for Canadians (18+ or 19+ depending on province) to sign up and play on Stake from, say, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, etc.. 

    Stake actively welcomes Canadian players – in fact, Canada is one of their biggest markets. You will face no geo-blocking, and you can use Canadian-friendly payment options (Interac, etc.) as described. The site operates in English (and other languages) and even uses Canadian dollars as a display currency option. So availability is 100% in these regions.

    Ontario: Since April 2022, Ontario has a regulated iGaming market. Stake did not get an Ontario license at launch, and thus made the decision to stop serving Ontario residents as of April 2022 to comply with regulations This means if you are physically in Ontario, you cannot access Stake’s services (poker, casino, or sportsbook). 

    Attempting to visit Stake from an Ontario IP will result in a message that the service is unavailable. Stake has indicated interest in entering Ontario officially; there have been news of Stake seeking a license and even the domain Stake.ca being floated. Some reports suggested Stake aims to go live in Ontario by 2025 pending approvals. 

    As of early 2025, though, Stake Poker is not accessible in Ontario and the promo code won’t be usable there. If and when Stake launches a Canadian-regulated site, it might have a different bonus structure (and likely won’t allow a rakeback code due to different rules). So, Ontario players should look at Ontario-licensed poker sites for now.

    Quebec & Other Provinces with Lotteries: Provinces like Quebec, BC, Manitoba have their own lottery-run poker or casino sites (e.g., EspaceJeux in Quebec). However, those do not cover poker well (some have limited poker, some none). 

    There is no law stopping residents from using international sites. Stake falls in that category, similar to how Quebecers still play on PokerStars or GGPoker (non-Ontario). So aside from Ontario, no province has tried to block offshore poker sites. In other words, Stake Poker is accessible in all of Canada outside Ontario by default, and you’re not going to get in trouble for playing there.

    Language: Stake’s platform is primarily in English (with options for other languages like French, Spanish, etc.). For French-speaking Canadians (Quebec), note that Stake’s site might not be officially translated to Canadian French in all places (some parts might be in English). This isn’t a restriction but something to be aware of; the interface is fairly intuitive regardless of language.

    Cross-Border Access: If you travel frequently between the US and Canada, keep in mind Stake is not available in the United States (due to legal issues). Stake has a separate social casino Stake.us for Americans, but that doesn’t include the real-money poker, and it’s a different setup entirely. 

    So, if you’re a Canadian Stake player, you won’t be able to play for real money while physically in the U.S. Similarly, other restricted countries for Stake include Australia and a few European countries. But within Canada (again excluding ON), you’re fine. If you go on vacation to, say, Mexico or Europe, check Stake’s terms because a few countries are restricted.

    VPN Warning: It’s worth mentioning that using a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions (like pretending to not be in Ontario or in the US) is against Stake’s rules. They can confiscate winnings if they detect such. So availability is straightforward: if you’re in an allowed location, you can play; if not, you shouldn’t.

    Online poker for real money is legal in Canada at the federal level, and aside from Ontario’s regulatory framework, there’s no requirement for sites to be locally licensed to accept players. Many Canadians play on offshore sites daily. 

    The Canadian government doesn’t prosecute players for doing so. The only risk is that offshore sites are not regulated by a Canadian authority, but in Stake’s case, their global reputation mitigates much of that concern. 

    Also, any winnings from Stake Poker are not subject to Canadian gambling taxes for recreational players (Canada doesn’t tax gambling wins unless you’re a pro). Stake, being offshore, doesn’t report your winnings either. This is similar to other offshore poker sites.

    In summary, Stake Poker is available to all Canadian players except those in Ontario. For the vast majority of Canadians, you can register, use the promo code, deposit, and play without issue. Ontario residents will have to wait for Stake’s return via a regulated site (and likely a different domain). Always ensure you follow your local laws – in Canada’s case, you as a player are in the clear outside ON.

    Stake’s broad availability and focus on Canada (they even have a Canada country manager and sponsor Canadian sports figures now) means Canadian poker players are a key demographic for them, so you can expect continued support and promotions catering to Canada (except Ontario until licensing there).

    Game Variety

    Stake Poker is a relatively new offering, and initially it focuses on the two most popular poker variants: Texas Hold’em and Omaha. While the range of game types is narrower than some established sites, Stake has implemented these core games in various formats. Here’s what’s on offer:

    No-Limit Texas Hold’em: This is the bread-and-butter of Stake Poker. You’ll find No-Limit Hold’em cash games running at a range of stakes. According to reports, Stake Poker offers 9-handed Hold’em tables (full ring) across about five stake levels, from as low as $0.01/$0.02 up to around $0.50/$1.00 at launch. They may expand stakes over time if demand grows. NLHE is also offered in tournaments and sit & gos. It’s the most active game on the site by far, making up the bulk of traffic.

    Pot-Limit Omaha: Stake also launched with PLO (4-card Omaha), available in cash games and tournaments. The cash stakes for Omaha mirror the Hold’em stakes (micro to mid). Omaha is a pot-limit game as usual. While traffic is lighter on PLO than Hold’em, it’s great to see it included from day one, catering to fans of the second most popular poker variant. MTTs for Omaha run as well, though not as frequently as Hold’em MTTs.

    Tournament Formats: Both Hold’em and Omaha are offered not just as cash games but as tournaments. Stake runs multi-table tournaments (MTTs) around the clock (we’ll detail that in the next section). These include regular freezeouts, turbo tournaments, bounty (knockout) tournaments, etc. 

    Buy-ins currently range roughly from $0.55 up to $110 for MTTs. The higher buy-ins ($27, $55, $110) are typically for special events or peak-time tournaments. There are also Sit & Go’s and shootout tournaments available. The site even has a unique 36-player Shootout mode tournament (6 tables of 6, winners advance) as mentioned in their literature. So, tournament variety in terms of structure is decent (full ring, 6-max, shootouts, etc.).

    Freerolls and Special Modes: Stake Poker hosts four daily $500 freerolls open to all verified players(and additional exclusive freerolls for new sign-ups via code as mentioned). The freerolls are No-Limit Hold’em. These are great for building a bankroll or just playing risk-free. 

    In cash games, Stake introduced some fun modes to mix up standard play: Bomb Pots (occasionally, everyone antes and you go straight to a flop – making a “bomb” pot), Straddle options (allowing an extra blind bet before cards for those who want to amp up the stakes), Run It Twice (in cash games, players all-in can agree to deal remaining cards twice to split pots, reducing variance), and Rabbit Hunting (seeing what cards would have come after a hand ends early). 

    These features are integrated and optional, adding variety to the Hold’em experience. Not many online sites have bomb pots or rabbit hunt as built-in features, so this is a fun differentiator.

    Game Limits and Types: Currently, all games on Stake Poker are either No-Limit or Pot-Limit betting structures. There’s no Fixed-Limit Hold’em, for example. Also, the games are cash or tournament; there aren’t exotic formats like Spin & Go (lottery SNG) yet, nor fast-fold poker. 

    But given Stake’s agile development, they might add more formats if the demand is there. They did start with a pretty “classic” set of offerings to get the fundamentals right.

    Future Expansion: The game variety, while limited now, could expand. For instance, adding a 5-card Omaha (courchevel) or Short Deck Hold’em might be possibilities down the road if Stake wants to attract niche audiences. They already have “Crazy Pineapple” (a variant of Hold’em where you discard a card) as a special tournament, specifically, a 6-handed Crazy Pineapple tournament with $27.5 buy-in was listed, indicating they are willing to host less common variants in tournament format. 

    Also, the mention of “Royal Rumble 6-handed” could imply a 6-max format with some twists. So, keep an eye out for special formats in their tournament line-up.

    Multiplayer Integration: Since Stake’s poker is integrated into a larger site, one cool aspect is you might see crossover promotions – e.g., a tournament where the prize is paid in casino bonus or something. They haven’t done much of that yet, but it’s possible (like a poker tournament that wins you a sports bet stake or vice versa).

    For a new poker room, Stake offers the essentials: Hold’em and Omaha in both cash and tournament play. While it’s not the destination for obscure poker games, it covers the bases for 99% of poker players’ preferences. Canadian players who primarily play NLHE will feel right at home. Omaha lovers have some action too. 

    If your favourite game is something like Stud H/L or PLO8, those aren’t available currently. But given Stake’s focus on expanding, if poker proves successful, they might incorporate more in the future. At launch, they sensibly chose to concentrate liquidity into the most popular games, which helps ensure those games run consistently rather than spreading players too thin across many variants.

    In summary, Stake Poker’s game variety is solid for mainstream poker (Hold’em & Omaha), with several innovative tweaks and modes to keep things interesting. It’s a bit limited beyond that, but for most players, it covers what you’d expect when you think “online poker.” 

    The site basically offers everything you need to enjoy No-Limit Hold’em cash games and tournaments, plus the second game Omaha, with a few bells and whistles to boot.

    Player Traffic

    Since Stake Poker is a new platform, its player traffic is in a growth phase and currently on the lower side compared to established poker sites. Here’s an analysis of the traffic patterns and what Canadian players can expect:


    • Current Player Numbers: As of early 2025, Stake Poker’s traffic is modest. Reports indicate that at peak hours (afternoons and evenings in the Americas), Stake Poker sees a maximum of around 300-350 players connected across all tables​.

    Peak American traffic implies that the busiest times are evening hours in North America – which is great for Canadian players, as that aligns with our prime playing time. During these peak periods, you might find a few hundred players spread between cash games and tournaments. Outside of peak, the numbers drop off; mornings or mid-days can be quiet, with maybe a few dozen to a hundred players around.


    • Cash Game Traffic: The cash game traffic tends to congregate at the low to mid stakes. According to a worldpokerdeals review, most of the traffic is at NL10, NL20, and NL100 (that is $0.05/$0.10, $0.10/$0.20, and $0.50/$1.00 games)​.

    Those stakes seem to consistently have tables running at peak times. At micro stakes (1c/2c, 2c/5c), there are players but perhaps fewer tables since some casuals might jump straight to 5c/10c. 


    Higher than $1/$2 (like $2.50/$5 or $5/$10 which Stake offers) might only run if specifically organized or during a traffic spike; they’re not regular yet. For Omaha, similarly, low-stakes PLO tables run, but high-stakes PLO is rare at the moment.


    Tournament Traffic: Stake’s MTTs are still building their audience. A typical small buy-in tournaments (e.g., $1 or $5 buy-in) might get a few dozen entrants right now. Their larger featured tournaments (like $27.50 or $110 buy-in events) attract more – perhaps around 50 to 100 players each, according to Stake’s own data​. For example, a $2,000 Guaranteed “Mega Stack Showdown” with $110 buy-in was highlighted, presumably drawing players close to that guarantee.
     
    Around 100 players typically participate in these popular tournaments​. That suggests overlays might occur if guarantees are ambitious. Freerolls, being free, can attract a good number; since they require ID verification, not every new account jumps in, but still a few hundred might join each freeroll. As Stake Poker grows, these tournament fields should increase. It’s actually an exciting time if you like tournaments: relatively small fields mean better odds to make final tables, and if Stake is overlaying prize pools, that’s value for players.

    Quality of Traffic (Player Base): The composition of Stake’s poker traffic skews towards the casual side, as noted. Many players are coming from Stake’s casino or sportsbook who may not be seasoned poker experts. This means the average skill level in the games can be lower than on sites that have only hardcore poker grinders. 

    For a solid Canadian poker player, this is a positive – you’ll find softer games. However, the low traffic also means you’ll often sit with the same opponents frequently. Regulars will quickly become familiar. On a given evening, you might notice the same screen names on multiple tables or in multiple tournaments. This “small community” feel has pros and cons; it can be friendly, but also if a few strong regulars are present, they’ll be in many games.

    Peak Times: For Canadian players, the best time to find games is from roughly early evening through late night (Eastern Time). That’s when both North American and some Latin American players are on, plus late night Europe (5-6 hours ahead) might still contribute. According to analysis, afternoons and evenings in the Americas see peak connections​

    On weekends, particularly Sunday afternoon/evening, expect the highest activity due to the tournament schedule and people off work. Conversely, early morning hours (like 6am-10am ET) will be the slowest; very few tables might be running then since that’s a quiet period worldwide for Stake’s audience.


    Growth Potential: Stake’s traffic may be low now, but it has a lot of upside. Stake’s brand and integration could funnel more and more casino players into poker over time. Also, as word spreads (especially with rakeback incentive), more poker enthusiasts might give it a try. 

    If Stake launches new features or perhaps links the poker more in their promotions, traffic could ramp up. They’ve already shown some growth – initial beta only had freerolls, then they added cash games and MTTs, and we’re seeing the numbers climb gradually. It’s not unrealistic to think Stake Poker might reach 1,000 concurrent players in the future if they invest in it. For context, some other independent poker rooms have done so after a year or two.

    Comparison: Right now, if we compare Stake Poker’s traffic to other sites popular in Canada: it’s smaller than sites like 888poker or PokerStars or even PartyPoker. Those have thousands of players at peak. It’s more on par with some niche networks or new entrants. 

    But that’s expected given how new it is. The key difference is Stake’s ability to draw players from their existing user pool, which many new poker sites don’t have. So we might see a unique growth pattern. Also, the “quality” of those few hundred Stake players might be more profitable to play against than a larger pool on a tough network.

    Table Availability: Practically speaking, what does this mean for you? If you log in on a Tuesday evening in Vancouver, you’ll likely find a handful of NLHE cash tables from micro to $0.50/$1. If you’re a high-stakes player wanting $5/$10, you might not find anyone unless you arrange a match or come during a rare busy time. 

    If you prefer tournaments, you’ll see a schedule but possibly smaller fields. So plan accordingly: if you want a lot of table selection, maybe play during the busier times. If a specific game isn’t running, you might hop into a different stake or play a tournaments while waiting. 

    The good news is with even 200-300 players online, you can get a few games going – you won’t be sitting entirely alone unless it’s off-peak. Also, with Stake’s platform, you can always amuse yourself with a quick casino game in the interim (just don’t blow your bankroll there, of course!).

    In conclusion, Stake Poker’s traffic is currently modest but manageable. Canadian players will find action mainly at low stakes NLHE, with peak concurrency in the few hundreds. While it can’t yet be your sole grind spot if you need high volume at any hour, it’s a great secondary site to play on, or a primary site if you enjoy softer low-stakes games and don’t mind slightly limited selection. 


    The traffic is expected to grow, and being an early adopter means you could be ahead of the curve (and possibly reap rewards like overlays and easy games that come with a newer site). Stake is working on expanding this player base, and as they do, traffic for poker should only improve.

    Rake & Rewards

    Stake Poker’s approach to rake and rewards is a bit different from traditional poker sites, largely because it leverages the Stake brand’s existing VIP program and crypto framework. Here’s a detailed look:


    Rake (Fees) in Games: Initially, Stake Poker advertised a 5% rake on cash games, but recent updates show the rake is now 7% for cash tables​. This means for each pot, Stake takes 7% of the pot (up to a maximum cap). 

    The rake caps vary by stake level and number of players. For example, at $0.01/$0.02, the cap is $0.25 heads-up, $0.50 for 3-4 players, $0.75 for 5+ players​. At higher stakes like $1/$2, the cap might be around $7.50 for a full ring pot​.

    A 7% rake is actually on the higher side compared to industry standard (most sites use 5% rake for cash games). This might be due to Stake launching with 5% then adjusting to 7% to align with their casino VIP system or due to the inclusion of rakeback. It’s something to be aware of: raw rake at Stake Poker is a bit higher than, say, PokerStars (which is ~5.5% at micros).


    Tournament Fees: For tournaments, Stake charges a 10% fee on MTTs​. That’s pretty standard (e.g., a $11 buy-in is $10+$1 fee). Some sites have slightly less (8-10%), but 10% is the norm and acceptable. Freerolls of course have no fee. Sit & Gos likely also have ~5-10% fee depending on the format. Stake’s 10% MTT rake is fine.

    Stake VIP Program: Stake has a VIP program where as you wager (including poker), you advance levels and earn rewards. They list thresholds like wager $10k to hit Bronze, $100k for Gold, etc., and each new level gives a bonus​. For example, reaching $100k wagered might give you $110 bonus​, etc. For poker, your “wagered” could mean total pot volume played. 

    It’s unclear how exactly poker volume translates, but likely every bit of rake contributed counts proportionally towards your VIP progress. The VIP program also provides weekly and monthly bonuses to active players (based on your level). 

    So, even beyond the 5% direct rakeback, you might get additional value if you play a lot. These VIP perks are platform-wide; if you also bet sports or casino, it all adds up.

    No First Deposit Bonus for Poker: Unlike many poker sites that give a one-time first deposit bonus (like 100% match), Stake Poker does not have a separate deposit bonus. Stake’s casino does (200% up to $3000) but that isn’t applied to poker. So, your rewards as a new poker player come mainly in the form of rakeback and freerolls, rather than a clearable bonus. 

    This might seem like a disadvantage if you’re used to unlocking a big bonus, but on the flip side, Stake’s rakeback is automatic and ongoing, and you’re not forced to grind out a bonus in a time window. It’s just a different approach.

    Freerolls and Challenges: Stake Poker offers daily $500 freerolls (4 times a day) to all verified players​, which is a sort of reward because it’s free money opportunities. They also might run leaderboards or challenges – for instance, in the casino they do weekly challenges; in poker they could do something like “win the most hands this week” etc. 

    No specific poker leaderboard has been advertised yet, but as the player base grows, Stake may incorporate competitive leaderboards or rake races.

    No Rake on Crypto Deposits: One advantage of Stake is there are no deposit or withdrawal fees aside from blockchain fee, which is not exactly rake but it means more of your money goes to play. Some poker sites might charge for certain payment methods or currency conversion; Stake does not.

    Other Rewards: Stake occasionally runs promotions – e.g., a leaderboard for tournament players could come, or a special “Poker welcome tournament”. They also have social media giveaways, etc. All these can be considered part of the reward ecosystem.

    Rake Fairness: Note that Stake’s rake structure is straightforward – they rake only up to a certain number of players. They also mention not raking at all if a pot doesn’t reach a flop (no flop, no drop). This is standard but good to have. 

    Their caps are reasonable at low stakes (like $0.75 max at micros is fair). The 7% figure might raise eyebrows, but remember, online poker has been creeping up rake on micro stakes in many places as well; still, it’s something they might re-evaluate if players push back.

    In summary, Stake Poker’s rake is a bit high but is mitigated by the site’s broader VIP rewards. For more serious players, the effective rake is okay if the games are soft enough to compensate. Stake is clearly using a model where the “price” to play (rake) is built into their ecosystem of rewards, rather than giving it all upfront as a bonus.

    If you enjoy Stake’s other offerings, the VIP program can add a lot of cross-value (like weekly bonuses you can use anywhere on the site). If you are poker-only, you’ll mostly just see the 5% rakeback as your reward.

    Ultimately, while Stake Poker isn’t the absolute lowest-rake venue, the combination of relatively easy games can make it quite profitable for a solid player. And for casual players, the rake difference is unlikely to be felt, whereas the excitement of freerolls and quick cashouts will be more noticeable. Stake seems to be banking on its brand appeal and features to keep players.

    Tournaments and Rewards

    Stake Poker offers a growing selection of tournaments, and while it can’t yet rival the major sites in sheer volume, it has crafted a schedule that includes frequent small tournaments and a few larger events. There are also freerolls and promotional tournaments as part of the “rewards” for players. Let’s delve into what tournament play looks like on Stake:


    Daily Tournament Schedule: Stake runs tournaments throughout the day at various buy-in levels. Many of these are No-Limit Hold’em tournaments, with a couple of Omaha tournaments sprinkled in daily. Buy-ins range from micro (for example, $0.55, $1.10, $2.20) up to mid-stakes like $11, $22, and occasionally $55 or higher. 

    Because the player pool is still small, a lot of tournaments are on the lower end to attract enough entrants. The format variety includes: Turbo tournaments (faster blind levels), Bounty tournaments (where part of the buy-in is a bounty on each player, you earn cash for each knockout), Rebuy/Add-on events (where for the first hour you can rebuy if busted), and Freezeouts (classic one life tournaments). 

    They also have some short-handed formats like 6-Max tournaments. One listed example is a “6 Handed Royal Rumble” for $27.50​– likely a 6-max NLHE event. Another is “Turbo Rebuy Madness” for $11​, implying a chaotic rebuy structure. These creative names show Stake is trying to brand their tournaments.

    Guaranteed Prize Pools: Some Stake tournaments come with guaranteed prize pools (GTD), meaning Stake will put in extra if not enough buy-ins cover it. We saw mention of a $2,000 GTD Mega Stack Showdown for $110 buy-in. There’s also mention of other marquee events like $500 GTD or $1,000 GTD for smaller buy-ins, etc., within their lobby. 

    Given the current size, a $2k guarantee is significant – and if only ~100 players join at $110, that just meets it; if fewer, Stake covers the rest. This hints at potential overlays (which are good for players). They likely have a Weekly Big Tournament (maybe on Sundays) which is their highest GTD of the week.

    Freerolls: Stake Poker’s standout for promotions are the freerolls. They host four $500 freeroll tournaments every day (often referred to as Grand Slam Freerolls)​. These freerolls require that you have completed Stake’s KYC verification (to avoid multi-account abuse) but are otherwise free to enter.

    Each has $500 in Stake Cash prizes (Stake Cash is likely a form of currency you can use or convert to crypto). With four a day, that’s $2,000 given out daily in freerolls to the community – quite generous and part of Stake’s strategy to engage players. 

    New players using the promo code also had mention of “daily freerolls $1,500 prize pool”​; this likely refers to the same freerolls or some exclusive ones via affiliate. Either way, freeroll lovers have a lot to enjoy. Winning in a freeroll at Stake is one way to build a bankroll from $0.

    Special Events & Series: As Stake Poker matures, expect them to possibly run tournament series or special events. They might tie in with Stake’s promotions (e.g., maybe a tournament series where winners get extra prizes like a trip or merchandise). 

    Right now, they have an interesting schedule including a “Crazy Pineapple $27.5” tournament​ (Crazy Pineapple is a variant where players get 3 cards and discard one after the flop). Having such a variant in the schedule hints at either a mini-series or them testing new formats. 

    It could be part of a weekly rotation of “fun format” tournaments. If popularity grows, they might introduce a “Stake Poker Series” with a leaderboard, etc., similar to how they run big casino promotions.
    Tournament Rewards: Aside from prize money, Stake could incorporate its VIP program into tournaments. 

    For example, playing tournaments will still count towards your wagering for VIP levels, thus indirectly rewarding you with those VIP bonuses. There’s no dedicated tournament leaderboard or tournament-specific promotion just yet, but keep an eye out – they could launch a Monthly Tournament Leaderboard once numbers justify it, rewarding top finishers with extra cash or tickets (this is speculation, but common in the industry).

    Field Size and Competition: As mentioned, fields are modest. That means your chance of winning or final tabling is relatively higher compared to sites with thousands of entrants. A typical tournament might have anywhere from 20 to 100 players. This is great for someone who doesn’t want to play a 7-hour marathon with 1000 people. 

    The flip side is prizes are smaller since prize pools are smaller (unless there’s a guarantee). The competition in these fields often includes some regular faces. If you play nightly, you’ll notice who the good players are pretty quickly. But thanks to Stake’s base, many entrants are likely casual gamblers giving poker a try or chasing a small win. So, the skill level is quite varied.

    Jackpot SNGs or Fast Formats: Does Stake have Jackpot Sit & Go’s (like 3-player lottery style)? Not at the moment. No “Spin & Go” equivalent is advertised. They do have regular Sit & Gos though (like single table tournaments). Also, no Zoom/fast-fold poker yet. It’s straightforward MTT and SNG offerings for now. Those could be added in the future.

    Live Events or Satellites: As of now, Stake doesn’t have live poker event tie-ins (like sending players to WSOP, etc.). It’s something to watch; maybe they could do satellites to big events or their own live event if they ever sponsor one. But initially, no, it’s all online self-contained.

    For Canadian tournament players, Stake Poker offers a fun and potentially profitable environment, especially if you prefer smaller field MTTs or want to supplement your play on bigger sites with some softer, quicker tournaments. 


    The freerolls are a major highlight – few sites give away that much daily with no entry fee. As Stake grows, expect tournament offerings to expand, maybe bigger guarantees or even regular “majors”. If they follow their competitors, they might eventually have a weekly “Sunday Stake” or similar with a juicy prize pool. 


    For now, enjoy the intimate tournament scene – it’s quite possible for a skilled Canadian grinder to snag a few wins and build up a nice roll on Stake’s tournaments with relatively low variance (due to smaller fields). And all the while, any tournament fees you pay are feeding VIP progress, so you’re getting some of that back. 


    Stake’s dual focus on cash and tournaments means you can always find something to play; if cash tables are slow, jump in a tournaments, and vice versa. That, coupled with the integrated casino for a break in between, can make Stake Poker quite an entertaining platform for an all-around gambler.

    Software Quality

    Stake Poker’s software is built in-house (or in collaboration with a developer) to integrate seamlessly with the Stake ecosystem. It runs entirely in-browser using modern web technologies. Overall, the software is fast, clean, and user-friendly, though not as feature-rich as some long-established poker clients. Here’s what to expect in terms of software quality:


    No Download / Browser Client: One of the benefits is that you don’t need to download a separate poker client. You simply log into Stake’s website, click on the Poker section (under “Casino” menu as noted​), and the poker lobby and tables load up in your browser window. 

    This means it’s easy to hop in and out, and it works on any device with a modern browser (Windows PC, Mac, even Linux, etc.). The browser client is pretty lightweight. It uses HTML5, which makes it responsive and compatible. 

    During playtests, the browser client runs smoothly without significant lag. However, some players might miss a standalone client for multitabling or performance reasons – but in our experience, the difference is minimal if you have a decent computer and internet connection.

    Interface Design: The lobby design is straightforward. You can filter by game (Hold’em or Omaha), by stakes, and see the list of tables or tournaments. The visual theme aligns with Stake’s overall dark theme aesthetic. Table interfaces have a simple 2D design: avatars are present (likely just a generic or your profile image if you set one on Stake), chips, and cards are clearly displayed. 

     The graphics are not flashy 3D or cartoony – they’re more minimalist and functional, which many poker players prefer. The action buttons (Fold, Call, Raise) are large and easy to click. Bet sliders and preset bet buttons (like 1/2 pot, pot) are available. The overall look will remind you of some newer web poker clients that focus on clarity. Given that Stake’s casino UI is known for being slick and modern, they carried that philosophy to poker.

    Multitabling: You can play multiple tables in your browser. The client will let you open tables in new windows or tabs, or tile them within one window. On a single monitor, you might tile two tables side by side comfortably. If you open more, you may need to cascade or use multiple monitors. Some testers have opened 4-6 tables on Stake Poker with no major performance issues. 

    The client gives a sound alert or highlights the tab when it’s your turn (if you have tables in background). So multitabling is supported, though not as customizable as a standalone client where you can resize freely (browser windows can be resized but there’s a minimum size to keep the table visible).

    Stability and Performance: Being new, Stake’s poker software has surprisingly been quite stable. We haven’t heard of major crashes or glitches in normal operation. The game flow is smooth; card dealing, pot calculations, etc., are all correct. 

    Stake likely tested it extensively in beta (with freerolls) to iron out bugs. No disconnect issues beyond what might be caused by the user’s internet. And since Stake’s servers handle massive casino volume, they likely have robust infrastructure behind the poker servers as well. 

    If Stake goes into maintenance or faces downtime (rare, but possible), the poker would go down too. Ensure you are cautious around scheduled maintenance times (usually announced) to not be in a crucial tournament then. But generally, reliability is high.

    Features and Options: Stake’s poker client includes common features such as hand history (you can review recent hands), the ability to choose 4-color deck (for those who like each suit a different color), and toggle for sound effects. It also has an in-table chat where players can type messages, which can be fun especially since Stake’s community vibe might carry over. 

    There is a “quick seat” option to automatically find you a table of your chosen stakes, and you can also observe tables. One limitation is that third-party software like HUDs (PokerTracker, HM3) do not support Stake Poker currently, since it’s proprietary and hand histories might not be output in a standard format. 

     For casual players this is fine; for serious HUD users, you’ll be playing “HUD-less”, which actually levels the field. The client doesn’t have built-in stats or buddy lists or note-taking as far as we know yet. It would be nice to have a player notes feature (maybe they’ll add it). Right now, you might need to remember or jot externally if you want to note someone’s tendencies.

    Mobile Compatibility: As discussed in the Mobile App section, you can play via mobile browser as well. The software adapts to mobile, but also Stake provides an app for a better experience. On mobile, the interface becomes touch-friendly with big buttons. So the software is cross-platform thanks to its web nature.

    Updates: Because it’s web-based, Stake can update the software continuously without users needing to download patches. They likely roll out improvements incrementally. Since launch, they already tweaked the rake structure (which implies a server-side update). 

    They may add features such as a hand replayer or improve lobby filters based on feedback. Being integrated, if Stake adds new games or formats (like a new SNG type), it’ll appear for everyone immediately.

    Security and Fairness: Stake uses encryption and fair play mechanisms. They had to implement a shuffling algorithm – though not as publicly verifiable as CoinPoker’s blockchain RNG, Stake is a reputable company and their RNG will be certified under their casino license. They also likely monitor for collusion or bots; their security team can track unusual play patterns. 

    The software presumably has anti-cheating measures (like preventing two players on the same IP from joining the same cash table to deter simple collusion, etc.). Stake’s reputation suggests they wouldn’t tolerate cheating, and they have the tech resources to enforce it.

    Areas for Improvement: Some things that could improve: more robust filtering (for example, filter Omaha by PLO vs PLO5 if they add 5-card, etc.), a more detailed tournament lobby (currently it shows basic info; more detailed structures or player list could be more fleshed out). 

    Also, adding a hand replay function (to visually replay a past hand) would be nice for studying hands during a session. Given they are new, these are not all there yet. The absence of a PC client might deter a few old-school players, but frankly the browser client does the job for most.

    In conclusion, Stake’s poker software is modern, smooth, and sufficient for enjoyable play, albeit still developing some advanced features. It mirrors the polish of Stake’s overall platform – which is a big compliment since Stake’s casino interface is considered one of the best in crypto gambling. 


    Canadian players will find the poker client easy to get used to, especially if they’ve used other web-based poker (like PokerStars Web or other instant-play sites). The learning curve is minimal: if you know how to navigate any online poker lobby, Stake’s will feel intuitive. 


    So the software won’t get in the way of your game; you can focus on the cards and decisions. And with built-in unique options (bomb pot, etc.), it even adds a bit of spice to the usual poker experience. Considering its youth, the software quality is impressively high, and any minor missing features will likely be addressed as Stake commits further to the poker product.

    Mobile App

    Stake does not have a standalone poker-only mobile app in the traditional sense, but the entire Stake platform (including poker) is optimized for mobile use via web browser. Additionally, Stake has a unified app for its casino (on iOS, etc.) which includes access to poker. Let’s clarify the mobile experience for Stake Poker:


    Mobile Web: You can access Stake Poker on your smartphone or tablet simply by going to Stake in your mobile browser and logging in. The site will adapt to your screen. The poker lobby and tables will load in a mobile-friendly layout. On mobile web, the interface might feel a bit crowded if you try multi-tabling, but for playing one table or tournament at a time, it works. 

    The buttons become large and tappable. Community cards and your hole cards are clearly visible,  and you can tap to fold, call, or slide to adjust bet amounts. We found that playing a tournament on a phone was quite doable – the site auto-rotates to landscape for a better view. If you only have access via mobile occasionally, this is a convenient way to not miss out on the action.

    Stake App (Casino & Poker): Stake released a mobile app on the Apple App Store (for iOS) and possibly a direct APK for Android in certain jurisdictions​. This app primarily focuses on casino games but since poker is part of Stake’s platform, you can access poker through it as well. 

    Essentially, the app is a container for the web content – but it can provide smoother navigation and notifications. On iOS, the Stake app is available (in regions where allowed) and user reviews mention it’s basically the full Stake experience including sports and casino. 

    Navigating to poker in the app should be similar to the website. One caveat: the Stake app may not be available in the Canadian App Store because it’s an offshore app (some Canadians have downloaded it by switching regions or using TestFlight). If it’s available, it will facilitate quick login and perhaps performance enhancements. If not, the mobile web is fine.

    Mobile Performance: Poker on mobile runs well. The animations are minimal, which is good for mobile. Even on a mid-range Android phone, gameplay is smooth. The data usage is not heavy – mainly some real-time updates which are small. So you can play on mobile data if needed without burning through your plan (just be mindful of long sessions maybe). 

    The biggest performance consideration is stable internet – as with any poker, a drop can time you out. Stake does reconnect you if you go back online quickly. If you do lose connection, the site will sit you out and you can resume when back, but prolonged disconnect in a tournament can hurt, so ensure you have a decent connection or stick to times where you can pay attention.

    User Experience on Mobile: The mobile interface for tables typically shows your cards at the bottom, buttons above them, and opponents around a simplified table circle. The bet slider appears when needed. You might have to switch tabs within the interface to see chat or player list due to limited screen space. 

    It’s well-designed given the constraints. One-handed play is feasible (holding your phone and using your thumb). The color scheme is the same dark background, which is good for battery and eyes at night. If you’re playing in short bursts or while on commute, Stake Poker’s mobile version serves that use-case fine.

    No Dedicated Poker App: Unlike some big sites that have a poker-only app (like PokerStars has a separate poker app), Stake does not split them. This means if you have the Stake app or site, you have everything in one. For some, that’s convenient (one login for all betting needs). For others, it might be a slight distraction (casino is a click away). But it’s integrated so that’s their model.

    Cross-Platform Seamlessness: If you start a tournament on your PC and need to go out, you can continue on your phone fairly seamlessly. Just log in on mobile and open the tournament from the lobby – you’ll pick up your seat (assuming you didn’t shut the PC and time out meanwhile). 

    This flexibility is great for long MTTs; you’re not chained to your desk. We tested switching devices mid-play and it worked (there’s a slight overlap where you might see yourself logged in twice for a second, but then one session takes over).

    Regional App Considerations: Because of regulation, the Stake app might not be in Google Play (Android often doesn’t list real-money gambling apps that aren’t locally licensed). iOS App Store did list Stake Casino in some countries. 

    If you can’t find an app, just use the web on mobile – it’s essentially the same experience. Stake even suggests on their site how to create a shortcut or progressive web app from the mobile browser for convenience.

    Summary of Mobile: Stake’s mobile poker offering is essentially an extension of their responsive website, which means it’s well-integrated but not a specialized custom-built mobile poker app like some competitors. That said, it does the job effectively. You won’t have multi-table madness on a small screen (it’s inherently hard), but you can definitely grind a single table or tournament while relaxing or on the move. 

    The convenience of quickly being able to register for a tournament via phone if you’re away from computer is nice. And with notifications enabled (if using their app or perhaps via email reminders), you could be alerted of tournaments or results.

    For many Canadian players who prefer mobile gaming, Stake’s solution is perfectly acceptable. If you’re someone who only plays poker on your phone, you’ll find Stake’s interface competitive with other mobile poker apps. There might be a bit less polish in terms of dedicated mobile features (like swipe controls or fancy graphics) compared to a platform solely focused on a mobile app, but it’s improving and quite adequate. 


    One big plus is that since everything is synced with your main account, there’s no separate wallet or anything – you can deposit via mobile (even using Apple Pay through MoonPay, for example) and jump into a game in minutes.


    In conclusion, Stake Poker’s mobile access is convenient, reliable, and included as part of the overall Stake mobile experience. While not a separate app, it doesn’t really need to be – the responsive site carries the load well. Canadian players who value mobile play should have no qualms giving Stake Poker a try on their smartphones. 


    Just be cautious as always to play responsibly – having a casino in your pocket 24/7 can tempt some, so use features like loss limits or take breaks as needed. Stake does allow setting cooldowns or self-exclusion via support if necessary. But if you maintain discipline, the mobile app ensures you can enjoy a poker tournament on a Sunday afternoon from your back patio just as easily as from your desktop.

    Customer Support

    Stake is known for active customer support and community engagement, and this extends to their poker offering. Here’s what you can expect regarding customer support as a Stake Poker player in Canada:


    24/7 Live Chat: Stake provides a 24/7 live chat support accessible from their website. This is one of the fastest ways to get help. You can click the support icon (headset icon) on the site and start a chat with a representative​. 

    Live chat agents can assist with account issues, deposits/withdrawals, and also poker-related queries (like tournament problems, etc.). The chat is responsive in our tests – typically an agent joins within a couple of minutes. 

    However, as one reviewer noted, there is “room for enhancement in the customer support department,”​ perhaps meaning sometimes the first-line support might give generic answers or take a bit to escalate. That said, having 24/7 availability is great for Canadian players who might play at odd hours and need help.

    Email Support: You can also email Stake at their support email (support@stake). Email is best for less urgent matters or when you need to send attachments (like verification documents, screenshots of an issue, etc.). Email responses can vary from a few hours to a day, depending on volume. Stake’s support via email is professional and thorough.

    Community & Social Media: Stake has a large presence on forums (they have an official Stake forum/community site), on Reddit, and on social media like Twitter. For quick crowd-sourced help, the r/Stake subreddit and Stake forum have many experienced users and sometimes even staff responding. 

    There’s also a public chat on Stake’s site (the casino chat) where moderators and community members hang out; you might get general questions answered there (though detailed issues should go to official support).

    Poker-specific Support: Since poker is new, not all support agents might be highly knowledgeable about specific poker rules or technicalities at first. But they will escalate to someone who is, if needed. For instance, if a tournament freezes or you have a dispute (like believing someone was colluding), support will forward that to their poker operations team. 

    Stake’s background in handling casino disputes (which they do well) suggests they’ll also handle poker disputes fairly – e.g., refunding tournament buy-ins if a server issue happened, etc. So far, players haven’t reported major support failings on poker issues, which is a good sign.

    Canadian Player Considerations: Support is provided in English (and possibly other languages, but English is primary). Canadians will have no language barrier. They also seem aware of Canadian-specific queries – for example, if you ask about Interac or CAD, they know what you mean and can guide you.​

    With Ontario being restricted, support also has had to assist Ontario users in cashing out and closing accounts; by reports, they handled that smoothly in 2022, letting Ontarians withdraw balances easily. So they’re accustomed to Canadian regional stuff.

    Response Quality: Stake’s support is often praised for being friendly and helpful. They incorporate a bit of the community vibe in that they often know regular users by name (especially high VIPs). Some players have an assigned VIP manager (once you reach a certain level) who can personally assist with requests – that’s more on the casino side but likely extends to your account overall, including poker. 

    For instance, a high-volume player might get personalized service, bonus offers, faster resolutions through their manager. For the average player, the standard support lines are fine and quite efficient.

    Help Center / FAQ: Stake’s website has a Help Center with lots of articles​. It covers things like “What is the Stake VIP Program?”, “How to deposit with credit card?”, etc. While not poker-specific, these can answer many common questions. 

    For poker-specific help (like “How do I play Omaha?” or “What are bomb pots?”), Stake has blog posts and possibly a tutorial in their forum. If you’re unsure about a rule, support can clarify it too.

    Support for Responsible Gaming: Stake offers tools for responsible gambling – you can self-exclude, set betting limits, etc., by contacting support. They are professional about handling these requests (they take it seriously and act promptly). For poker players, if you need a break, you can ask support to temporarily disable your account. They’ll do so with no hassle.

    Issue Resolution: In the event of a glitch – say a tournament doesn’t pay out correctly, or the server disconnects all players – support will investigate and usually compensate fairly. Being new, Stake will want to build goodwill among poker players. 

     Historically, they’ve resolved casino bet disputes by either explaining outcomes or issuing refunds if a game malfunctioned. We can expect similar fairness for poker. For example, if a tournament is cancelled due to server crash, they’d refund the buy-ins as per their terms (which is standard practice).

    User Feedback Loop: Stake is known to listen to user feedback to improve the platform. If you have suggestions for the poker client or schedule, you can communicate that through their forum or support. The team often relays feedback to developers. This means as a player, your voice can help shape the evolving product.

    Overall, Stake’s customer support for poker players is robust and accessible 24/7, with multiple channels to seek help. For Canadian players, having around-the-clock support is great due to our time zones, and Stake’s friendly approach makes it easy to resolve any hiccups. While no support team is perfect, Stake’s is above average in responsiveness and community integration.


    As the poker platform grows, they’ll likely train more agents on poker specifics. In the meantime, you have the reassurance that if any problem arises – be it a payout issue, a question about a promotion, or a technical bug – you can reach out and expect a timely and satisfactory response. Stake values its players (the ecosystem is competitive), so they strive to keep you happy and playing.

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    Last updated on 22 Feb 2025