Stake Poker Review 2026: 200% Bonus, Rakeback & Verdict
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Stake Poker launched in September 2024 as the poker arm of Stake.com - one of the world's most recognized crypto gambling brands. It has grown thanks to a soft player pool, fast crypto payments, and a platform with serious backing.
Stake Poker Review 2026 - Is It Worth Playing?
This Stake Poker review covers everything you need before you sign up - rakeback deal, game selection, rake structure, software, and our honest verdict.
If you are based in the US, the international Stake.com platform is not available to you. Stake US Poker is the sweepstakes alternative for US players.
Use bonus code SMPBONUS when you register to unlock a 200% first deposit bonus up to $2,000 on the casino, plus a 3.5% weekly rakeback deal on poker.
Get started at Stake Poker now.
Website | stake.com |
|---|---|
Operator | Medium Rare N.V. |
License | Curaçao eGaming |
Poker launched | September 2024 |
Bonus code | SMPBONUS |
Rakeback | 3.5% weekly |
Min deposit | $10 |
Cash game stakes | $0.01/$0.02 - $2.50/$5.00 |
Cash game rake | 7% |
Tournament rake | 10% |
Tournament buy-ins | $0.01 - $100 (regular schedule) |
Game formats | NLH, PLO, PLO5, PLO6, AoF, Next! (fast fold) |
Bad Beat Jackpot | Up to $1,000,000 |
AoF Jackpot | ~$500,000 |
Crypto accepted | 20+ coins (BTC, ETH, LTC, USDT, DOGE, XRP, TRX, and more) |
Withdrawal speed | Often under 30 minutes |
KYC | Required before deposit |
Mobile | Browser-based - no download needed |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
HUD support | Not permitted |
Sign up at Stake Poker and use code SMPBONUS to unlock your 3.5% rakeback deal.
Stake Poker Bonus Code SMPBONUS - What You Get
Register with SMPBONUS, and you unlock two separate offers from the same Stake account. The 200% deposit bonus applies to casino and sportsbook play. The 3.5% rakeback deal applies to poker and casino wagering. Here is exactly what each one covers.
Offer | Applies To | Stake Code |
|---|---|---|
200% deposit bonus up to $2,000 | Casino and sportsbook | SMPBONUS |
3.5% weekly rakeback | Poker and casino wagering | SMPBONUS |
For poker players: Your core offer is the 3.5% weekly rakeback - a long-term return on every hand you play, paid automatically every week. The 200% casino bonus does not apply to poker buy-ins or rake.
⚠️ Critical if you plan to claim the casino bonus: Stake Poker is not available while the 200% deposit bonus wagering requirement is active.
You must clear 40x wagering on your combined deposit and bonus in casino games before poker becomes accessible again.
If you want to play poker straight away, use SMPBONUS for the rakeback deal only and skip the casino bonus. For the full casino bonus terms, see our Stake casino bonus code page.
For everything included with SMPBONUS - rakeback math, VIP tiers, jackpots, and Centurion Millions - see our Stake Poker bonus code page.
How to Open Your Stake Poker Account
Clear your browser cookies. This ensures your registration is tracked correctly for the SMPBONUS offer.
Visit the official Stake Poker site. Go to Stake Poker and click Register.
Fill in your details and enter the bonus code. Enter SMPBONUS in the referral code field. This locks in your rakeback deal permanently.
Complete KYC Level 2 verification. A government-issued ID is required before you can deposit.
Deposit at least $10. BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC, DOGE, XRP, TRX, and 15+ more coins are accepted.
To claim the casino bonus: Contact Stake support via live chat and request the 200% deposit bonus after depositing. It is not automatic. Bonus is credited within 24-48 hours. Skip this step if you are here only for poker.
Start playing poker. Open the Stake Casino homepage, select Stake Poker from the games menu, and join a table. Your rakeback tracks from your first hand.
Stake Poker Promotions and Active Offers
Stake Poker's promotions calendar is built around jackpots, weekly competitions, and periodic tournament series. Right now, the biggest event on the schedule is the Centurion Millions - a $2,000,000 GTD series running until June 8th, 2026.
Centurion Millions - $2,000,000 GTD Series (May-June 2026)
This is the biggest tournament series Stake Poker has run to date. Phase 1 (May 10-25) features $0.01 Centrolls with a $1,000,000 combined guarantee - plus $100 instant bounties on every streamer at the tables. Phase 2 (May 26 - June 8) steps up to a full GTD series, including a $100,000 GTD Warmup and a $300,000 GTD Main Event at $200 buy-in. Both phases use a phased Mystery Bounty format - re-enter across multiple starting flights and take your best stack forward. For the full schedule and registration details, see our Centurion Millions breakdown.
$1,000,000 Bad Beat Jackpot
Stake's Bad Beat Jackpot is one of the biggest in online poker right now. It triggers when a strong qualifying hand - quads or better - loses at showdown. The jackpot applies only to Ring Game tables carrying the BBJ icon. The losing player receives 5.6% of the pool, the winner gets 3.5%, and all other players dealt into the hand split 2.1%. Every hand at BBJ tables contributes a small fee toward the pool.
~$500,000 All-in or Fold Jackpot
The AoF Jackpot rewards players who hit a Straight Flush or Royal Flush using both hole cards at AoF tables. The jackpot is progressive, fuelled by a fee from every AoF hand played. The share you win depends on the blind level you are playing - higher stakes mean a larger percentage of the pool.
$75K Weekly Raffle and $100K Weekly Race
Every bet you place at Stake - poker, casino, or sports - earns raffle tickets for the $75,000 Weekly Raffle. The $100K Race is a leaderboard competition where your weekly volume determines your ranking. Both run continuously and are open to all players registered with SMPBONUS.
For full details on every promotion - including jackpot payout tables, race scoring, and raffle mechanics - visit our Stake Poker promo code page.
Stake VIP Club
Register with SMPBONUS, and you are automatically enrolled in the Stake VIP Club from day one. The Club has no time frame - once you reach a tier, you keep it. Higher tiers unlock larger weekly and monthly bonuses, daily reload offers, and, eventually, a dedicated VIP host.
VIP Level | Total Wager Required | Key Benefit Unlocked |
|---|---|---|
Bronze | $10,000 | 3.5% Rakeback, Weekly Boost, Monthly Bonus, VIP Telegram Access |
Silver | $50,000 | Enhanced Weekly and Monthly Bonuses |
Gold | $100,000 | Further Increased Bonuses |
Platinum I | $250,000 | Daily Reload Bonus (14-day duration) |
Platinum IV | $2,500,000 | Dedicated VIP Host and Permanent Reloads |
Diamond I | $25,000,000 | Customizable Benefits and Higher Bonus Multipliers |
Obsidian | $1,000,000,000 | Bespoke Rewards and Luxury Perks |
You can check all Stake Poker promotions here.
Rakeback Deal
The Stake Poker rakeback program is very straightforward. If you enter the bonus code SMPBONUS during the registration process, you will receive a 3.5% rakeback returned on every bet placed across all casino and poker games, plus weekly and monthly bonuses via the Stake VIP Club.
Learn more about the poker room's rakeback here.
The Stake VIP Club system is multi-tiered and designed to continuously incentivize play across Poker, Casino, and Sportsbook, providing customized benefits that increase at higher levels.
Stake VIP Program Levels
VIP Level | Total Wager Requirement (USD Equivalent) | Key Benefits Introduced |
|---|---|---|
Bronze | $10,000 | Rakeback, Weekly Boost, Monthly Bonus, VIP Telegram Access |
Silver | $50,000 | Enhanced Weekly/Monthly Bonuses (Bonus Growth) |
Gold | $100,000 | Further Enhanced Bonuses |
Platinum I | $250,000 | Daily Reload Bonus (14-day duration) |
Platinum IV | $2,500,000 | Dedicated VIP Host and Permanent Reloads |
Diamond I | $25,000,000 | Customizable Benefits, Higher Bonus Multipliers |
Obsidian | $1,000,000,000 | Highest Tier, Bespoke Rewards, Luxury Perks |
Stake Poker Game Selection and Traffic
Stake Poker offers a solid mix of formats for a room of its age. The lobby covers NLH, PLO variants, fast fold, All-in or Fold, and a growing MTT schedule. Traffic peaks at around 1,500 active connections during evening hours, with most cash game volume falling on NL10, NL20, and NL100. The player pool skews recreational - many users come from the casino side, which keeps the games noticeably softer than on dedicated poker networks.
Cash Games - NLH, PLO, PLO5, and PLO6
Cash games are Stake Poker's strongest area. You can play No-Limit Hold'em in 6-max and 9-max formats, plus Pot-Limit Omaha in standard (PLO4), PLO5, and PLO6 variants. Stakes range from $0.01/$0.02 up to $2.50/$5.00.
The lobby uses a Seat Me system - you choose a stake level and are seated randomly. You do not browse individual tables. Buy-ins range from 40 to 100 big blinds, depending on the limit.
Limit | Min Buy-in | Max Buy-in |
|---|---|---|
$0.01/$0.02 | $0.80 | $2 |
$0.05/$0.10 | $4 | $10 |
$0.10/$0.20 | $8 | $20 |
$0.25/$0.50 | $20 | $50 |
$0.50/$1.00 | $40 | $100 |
$1.00/$2.00 | $80 | $200 |
$2.50/$5.00 | $200 | $500 |
Useful table features include run it twice, insurance, and straddle. These are available at most cash tables and can be set to trigger automatically from your preferences.
Next! - Fast Fold Poker
Stake's fast-fold format is called Next! It works like standard fast fold - you fold and are immediately moved to a new table and dealt a fresh hand. Next! is available in No-Limit Hold'em up to NL50 ($0.25/$0.50). It is a good option if you want to play higher volume without waiting through multi-way action.
All-in or Fold (AoF) Hold'em
AoF is Stake's high-variance, fast-paced format. Every decision is binary - all-in or fold. Tables run from $0.05/$0.10 up to $5.00/$10.00, with a minimum buy-in of $1 at the lowest stakes. The progressive jackpot adds an extra layer - hit a Straight Flush or Royal Flush using both hole cards and you trigger a share of the pool.
Tournaments
Stake Poker runs 2-3 MTTs per hour across NLH and PLO formats. Regular buy-ins range from $0.01 to $100. Special series like the Centurion Millions push buy-ins higher - the current Main Event is $200. The biggest recurring events include a $2,000 GTD Turbo for $50, a $2,000 GTD Front Kick for $30, and The Octagon at $20 with a $1,600 GTD. Sit-and-Go tournaments are also available in 6-max formats from $1 up to $10.
Stake Poker Rake Structure
Stake Poker charges a standard 7% rake across all cash game formats - NLH, PLO, PLO5, and PLO6 - with caps that vary by stake level and table size. Tournament rake is 10%. This is on the higher end for a poker room, and it is one of the more notable downsides for grinders. That said, the 3.5% rakeback via SMPBONUS returns part of that cost weekly.
Hold'em and PLO Cash Game Rake
Blinds | Rake % | 2 Player Cap | 3+ Player Cap | 5+ Player Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$0.01 / $0.02 | 7% | $0.16 | $0.26 | $0.32 |
$0.05 / $0.10 | 7% | $0.75 | $1.20 | $1.50 |
$0.10 / $0.20 | 7% | $1.25 | $2.00 | $2.50 |
$0.25 / $0.50 | 7% | $2.50 | $4.00 | $5.00 |
$0.50 / $1.00 | 7% | $4.00 | $6.40 | $8.00 |
$1.00 / $2.00 | 7% | $5.00 | $7.00 | $9.00 |
$2.50 / $5.00 | 7% | $5.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
All-in or Fold tables charge a fixed rake per hand plus an equal jackpot fee. The full AoF rake schedule is on our Stake Poker bonus code page.
Stake Poker Software and Playing Experience
Stake Poker is fully browser-based. There is nothing to download. The client runs on the main Stake Casino platform. Navigate to Casino → Games, then select Stake Poker from the menu. It loads quickly in both desktop and mobile browsers, and performance remains stable across multiple tables.
Interface and Lobby
The lobby uses the Seat Me system described above - choose your limit and format, and the platform seats you automatically. This removes table selection, which some players prefer, and others find limiting. The lobby is clean and fast to navigate across cash games, tournaments, AoF, and the Next! section.
One important habit to build: always click Leave Game in the side menu before closing your browser tab. Closing without leaving will keep you in the hand and post your blinds automatically.
Table Features and Multi-Tabling
You can have up to four tables open simultaneously, arranged in Tile or Cascade view. Switching between tables is handled via the active table icons in the top menu - similar to how mobile poker apps work. The client supports running it twice, insurance, and straddling. You can set these to auto-trigger so you do not have to confirm each time.
You can also observe tables without sitting down. This is useful for getting a read on the action before joining, or for studying opponents.
Customisation Options
Stake Poker lets you adjust felt and background colors, deck styles, and betting button configurations. Hand histories are accessible from the side menu. If you stream or record your sessions, Stream Mode hides your hole cards from the screen.
Third-party software - HUDs, hand converters, and external trackers - is strictly prohibited. Using them risks account suspension and loss of funds. The platform relies on its built-in hand history tool for all review purposes.
Stake Casino Games
Your Stake account gives you full access to the casino as well as the poker room. Stake Casino hosts thousands of games from top providers including Pragmatic Play, Hacksaw Gaming, and Evolution Gaming. The Stake Originals - crash games, Plinko, Mines, Limbo, and others - run on a provably fair engine with house edges as low as 1-2%.
If you plan to play casino games, a 200% deposit bonus up to $2,000 is available using the same code SMPBONUS. The bonus is not automatic - you need to contact Stake support via live chat to request it after depositing. It carries a 40x wagering requirement on the combined deposit and bonus amount.
⚠️ Important for poker players: Stake Poker is not available while the casino bonus wagering requirement is active. If you claim the 200% bonus, you cannot play poker until you have cleared the full wagering requirement. Claim the casino bonus only if you plan to play casino games first.
Stake
- Welcome Bonus
- 200% bonus up to $2,000
- FTD Bonus
- 200%
- Cashback Bonus
- 3.5%
- Platforms
- Browser Support
- Yes
- Mobile Support
- Yes
- Crypto Support
- Yes
- License
- Curaçao
Game types
Blackjack
Baccarat
No Bingo
Craps & dice
Crash games
eSports betting
Jackpot games
Keno
Live games
Roulette
Scratch cards
Slots
Sports betting
Video pokerPayment methods
Payment Methods
Stake Poker is crypto-only. You need a cryptocurrency wallet to deposit and withdraw. The platform supports over 20 coins, and all balances are displayed in USD for easy tracking.
Cryptocurrency | Min Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Average Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin (BTC) | $5 (0.0001198 BTC) | 0.0002 BTC | 0.00007 BTC |
Ethereum (ETH) | $5 (0.0017 ETH) | 0.004 ETH | 0.0005 ETH |
Litecoin (LTC) | $5 (0.04095 LTC) | 0.04 LTC | 0.0005 LTC |
Dogecoin (DOGE) | $5 (6.82 DOGE) | 30 DOGE | 1.5 DOGE |
Ripple (XRP) | $5 (6.393 XRP) | 20 XRP | 0.0001 XRP |
Tron (TRX) | $5 (76.64 TRX) | None | None |
Withdrawals are processed on the blockchain and often complete within 30 minutes. There is no maximum withdrawal limit. Note that crypto values fluctuate - your balance in USD terms can move between deposit and withdrawal.
If you do not yet own crypto, you can buy it directly on Stake via MoonPay. MoonPay accepts Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Select Buy Crypto from your wallet, enter an amount, and complete the purchase. MoonPay charges its own conversion fees - factor this in when calculating your deposit.
KYC and Account Verification
KYC is required before you can deposit. Registration is quick - email and basic details only - but identity verification must be completed before you can fund your account and start playing.
Verification runs across four levels:
Basic information - name and date of birth. Unlocks access to most features.
Government-issued ID - passport, driver's license, or national ID. Unlocks additional bonuses.
Proof of address - utility bill or bank statement.
Source of funds - requested in exceptional cases for high-volume accounts.
License and Trust
Stake.com operates under Medium Rare N.V., registered in Curaçao, and holds a Curaçao eGaming license. The poker room sits within the same platform as the casino and sportsbook, backed by a brand that has been running since 2017.
Stake is the official betting partner of the UFC and sponsors multiple MMA champions, including Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya. The platform also sponsors the Stake F1 Team and has a brand partnership with Drake. These high-profile associations reinforce the platform's legitimacy and financial stability.
The site uses SSL encryption and supports two-factor authentication via Google Authenticator. An RNG audit is in place for fair play. The Stake Vault feature adds an extra layer of security to protect your balance.
One honest note: Curaçao is not the most stringent licensing jurisdiction. It offers less formal player protection than an MGA or UKGC license. That said, Stake's scale and reputation make a dispute or exit scam extremely unlikely.
Customer Support
Stake Poker offers 24/7 customer support via live chat. Response times are fast in our experience - typically under two minutes for account and payment queries. A full Help Center is available at help.stake.com with written guides covering account setup, deposits, withdrawals, and gameplay rules.
Is Stake Poker Worth It? - Our Verdict
Stake Poker is a solid option for crypto players who want soft games, fast withdrawals, and a platform with real financial backing. The games are notably weaker than on established poker networks, and the jackpots add genuine value on top of your regular win rate.
The 3.5% weekly rakeback via SMPBONUS is not industry-leading, and the 7% cash game rake (10% on MTTs) is high. At volume, that combination adds up - so run the numbers at your stake level before committing serious volume here.
Stake Poker suits you if: You play recreationally or at micro-to-mid stakes. You want crypto convenience. You value soft fields over deep rakeback deals. You are interested in the Centurion Millions series right now.
Stake Poker is not right for you if: You are a high-volume grinder chasing 30%+ rakeback. You rely on HUDs. You need a deep MTT schedule with guaranteed fields every day.
Sign up with code SMPBONUS and claim your 3.5% weekly rakeback deal at Stake Poker.
Responsible Gambling and Editorial Transparency
SomuchPoker.com is an independent affiliate site. We earn a commission when you sign up through our links. This does not affect our ratings or editorial coverage - we only recommend platforms our team has reviewed directly.
Poker involves real money. Only play with funds you can afford to lose. Set deposit limits and session time limits before you start. If poker stops being enjoyable, stop playing.
The Golden Rule: Never chase losses.
Need Help? Free and Confidential Support
USA: National Council on Problem Gambling - 1-800-522-4700
UK: BeGambleAware - 0808 8020 133
International: Gambling Therapy
Bonus offers, rake rates, and promotions are subject to change. Verify all details at Stake.com before depositing. Must be 18+ and located in a jurisdiction where online poker is legal. T&Cs apply.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Soft player pool - many casual players crossing over from the casino | 200% deposit bonus applies to casino only - not poker buy-ins or rake |
PLO, PLO5, and PLO6 cash games alongside NLH | High rake - 7% on cash games, 10% on tournaments |
3.5% weekly rakeback on all poker and casino wagering | Poker room is still building its MTT schedule - fewer regular events than established rooms |
Market-leader crypto-gambling site | No HUDs or third-party tracking software permitted |
Instant transactions | No dedicated mobile app - browser only |
$1,000,000 Bad Beat Jackpot running at selected cash tables | Curaçao license offers less player protection than an MGA or UKGC license |
~$500,000 All-in or Fold progressive jackpot | |
Next! fast fold poker available up to NL50 | |
Fast crypto withdrawals - often processed in under 30 minutes | |
$75K Weekly Raffle and $100K Race available to all active players |
About the Editor
Since early 2025, I've covered iGaming promotions, online poker platforms, and player stories for SomuchPoker. I discovered poker at 14 during the poker boom, and I've played cash games, online tournaments, and live events ever since.
