Stake is not available in the UK. Since 11 March 2025, UK players can’t use Stake.com for casino games, sports betting, or crypto gambling due to regulatory issues.
The problems included fines and investigations that made it impossible for Stake to continue legally in the UK. Trying to access it now from the UK isn’t allowed and could cause problems for players.
In this article, I will explain exactly why Stake left, what caused the exit, and which safe alternatives UK players can turn to today.
Current Availability of Stake in the UK
- Stake is no longer available in the UK after regulatory fines, compliance failures, and the controversy over the adult video.
- UK players can still enjoy gaming safely through licensed crypto casinos and fantasy platforms like Dream11, which operate under UKGC rules.
- There is no clear timeline for Stake’s return, as the company would need a full UKGC licence and major improvements in compliance before coming back.
Read on to learn more about all the concerns that led to Stake’s exit from the UK market.
How Did The Adult Star Controversy Affect Stake’s Availability in the UK?
The viral ad surrounding adult actress Bonnie Blue directly affected Stake’s ability to operate in the UK. Her video outside Nottingham Trent University featured Stake branding with sexual content, raising serious concerns about promoting gambling to students and young adults.
The UK Gambling Commission investigated the ad and highlighted problems with Stake’s white-label arrangement under TGP Europe.
TGP immediately stopped new registrations and worked with the regulators. Along with earlier compliance problems, this pressure forced Stake to close its UK operations before 11 March 2025.
Previous Compliance Failures and Fines On Stake
Before the adult video controversy, Stake’s UK operations were already under pressure.
TGP Europe, Stake’s UK partner, was fined £316,250 in April 2023 by the UK Gambling Commission for failing to protect customers and prevent suspicious financial activity.
The fine showed that Stake’s UK operations had weak checks, including poor customer verification and limited safeguards against problem gambling.
These issues put Stake on the regulator’s radar well before the Bonnie Blue video appeared.
Combined with the viral video, these earlier compliance failures made it impossible for Stake to continue operating legally in the UK.
Reasons Stake Left the UK Market
Stake left the UK to focus on markets where it could hold a direct licence, rather than relying on third-party partners like TGP Europe.
The company wanted to avoid the compliance and operational problems it faced in the UK.
The risks of staying were high. Further fines, legal action, and damage to its reputation made continuing operations unsafe. Investigations into the adult video and unlicensed sponsorship concerns added urgency.
The exit was both reactive and strategic. By leaving, Stake avoided penalties and set itself up to re-enter regulated markets with proper licensing in the future.
Safe Alternatives for UK Players Instead of Stake
If you’re in the UK and want a crypto-friendly betting experience, there are safer options that feel similar to Stake.
Platforms like BC. Game, Bet Panda, and Casino offer fast withdrawals, crypto payments, and plenty of games, all under valid UKGC licences.
If you love skill-based games, then a Fantasy sports platform like Dream11 is the best option. After a complete ban in India, Dream11 expanded its operations and will launch its free-to-play fantasy sports platform in the UK.
On Dream11, you can build teams, join contests, and win real money. It’s a reliable option for sports fans who want legal gaming without the risks of unlicensed sites.
Will Stake Come Back to the UK?
Stake is not coming back to the UK anytime soon. To return, it would need a full UKGC licence and to fix past compliance issues like anti-money laundering and marketing problems.
Right now, Stake is focusing on other regulated markets and building its own licensed platforms instead of relying on partners.
There’s no timeline for a UK return. Players should check the UKGC or Stake’s official website for any updates.
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Conclusion: Stake is Not Available In the UK
Stake has exited the UK and is no longer operating there, following regulatory and compliance issues and public controversy.
UK players can still enjoy safe and legal gaming through licensed alternatives. Crypto casinos and fantasy platforms like Dream11 offer similar experiences while following UK rules.
Always use sites with a UKGC licence. It keeps your money safe and lets you play without worry.
FAQs
Using VPNs or offshore platforms to access Stake is illegal in the UK and can result in legal consequences.
UK players using unlicensed Stake links risk legal penalties, account bans, loss of funds, and no protection under UKGC regulations.
UK players can verify licensed crypto casinos by checking for a valid UKGC licence, reading reviews, and confirming regulatory compliance.
Existing Stake accounts can withdraw funds, but only through official channels, following UKGC rules and Stake’s withdrawal procedures.
UK football sponsorships like Everton are affected, as clubs cannot promote Stake due to its unlicensed status under UKGC regulations.
Stake can operate legally in other European markets because online gambling regulations are country-specific.
