Stake has become one of the most recognized names in online gaming, but its legality in the U.S. is often misunderstood. In this guide, we explain whether Stake is legal in Texas, how you can play at Stake.us, and what alternatives are available.
Is Stake legal in Texas?
Stake.com, the real money crypto casino, is not legal in Texas or anywhere else in the United States. However, Stake.us, a sweepstakes-based social casino, operates legally in Texas under U.S. sweepstakes laws.
Stake.us does not offer traditional gambling. Instead, it uses a dual-currency model that allows players to enjoy casino-style games without risking real money. You can redeem certain virtual coins for cash prizes, making it a legal and popular option for Texas players.
Stake.com vs Stake.us: Know the difference
Feature | Stake.com | Stake.us |
Legal in Texas | No | Yes |
Real money deposits | Yes | No |
Cryptocurrency supported | Yes (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) | No |
Game types | Slots, table games, sports betting | Slots, table games (no sports) |
Prize redemption | Cash winnings | Sweepstakes prizes (cash/gift cards) |
Access in the U.S. | Blocked | Available in 40+ states |
Stake.com is a traditional online casino using crypto. It is blocked in Texas due to state and federal laws. Stake.us is a social casino that uses sweepstakes models to stay compliant.
How Stake.us works for Texas players
Stake.us operates with two virtual currencies:
- Gold Coins (GC): Used for standard play. Cannot be redeemed for prizes.
- Stake Cash (SC): Used for sweepstakes entries. Can be redeemed for cash prizes after meeting requirements.
You can receive Gold Coins for free or purchase Gold Coin packages that include free bonus Stake Cash. This model complies with U.S. sweepstakes law and is what allows Stake.us to legally operate in Texas.
Does Stake.us pay real money in Texas?
Yes, but indirectly.
While you cannot deposit or withdraw real money like in a regular online casino, you can redeem Stake Cash for real-world prizes, including:
- Cash transfers via verified payment methods
- Digital gift cards (available for certain users)
- Other promotional prizes depending on active campaigns
Prize redemptions typically require account verification and a minimum amount of Stake Cash. Processing times vary but are generally completed within a few business days.
How to sign up and play at Stake.us in Texas
- Visit Stake.us and click “Register”
- Enter your email and create a secure password
- Verify your account (via SMS or email)
- Start playing with free Gold Coins
- Participate in promotions to earn Stake Cash
- Redeem Stake Cash for real-world prizes after meeting eligibility requirements
No VPN is needed, and it’s free to join for Texas residents aged 18 and older.
Pros and cons of using Stake.us in Texas
Pros
- 100% legal under U.S. sweepstakes law
- No real-money deposit required
- Regular promotions and bonus codes
- Redeemable prizes
- Slick, mobile-friendly user interface
Cons
- No live dealer or sports betting options
- Limited withdrawal methods
- Gameplay tied to coin balances and promotions
- No cryptocurrency support
Local alternatives to Stake.us in Texas
If Stake.us doesn’t fit your preferences, consider these sweepstakes and social casinos that are also legal in Texas:
Platform | Type | Real Prizes Available | Highlights |
McLuck | Sweepstakes | Yes | Great for daily rewards and slots |
WOW Vegas | Sweepstakes | Yes | Engaging interface and live events |
Fortune Coins | Sweepstakes | Yes | Extensive slot and table game library |
Chumba Casino | Sweepstakes | Yes | Long-standing reputation in the U.S. |
Global Poker | Sweepstakes | Yes | Offers legal poker tournaments |
These platforms follow a similar model to Stake.us and are fully legal to use in Texas.
Is Stake legal in Texas?
If you’re wondering is Stake legal in Texas, the answer depends on the version you’re talking about. Stake.com is off-limits, but Stake.us is fully accessible to Texas players. You can learn more about sweepstakes casinos and legal options through Sporting Post, where we break down state-by-state gambling laws and platforms.
Can I use a VPN to access Stake.com in Texas?
Technically, yes, but we strongly advise against it.
Using a VPN to access restricted platforms like Stake.com violates their terms of service. It can lead to:
- Permanent account bans
- Forfeiture of winnings
- Identity verification issues
Stake.com has strong detection measures in place. For legal and secure gaming, stick to Stake.us and similar sweepstakes platforms available in your state.
Final thoughts: Is Stake legal in Texas?
Stake.com is not legal in Texas, but Stake.us offers a safe, legal, and fun way to enjoy casino-style games without real-money gambling. Thanks to its sweepstakes model, Texans can spin slots, play table games, and redeem prizes all within the law.
For more in-depth guides, legal updates, and reviews of the best sweepstakes casinos available in Texas, check out the expert resources at Sporting Post.
FAQ: Stake legality in Texas
Is Stake.us legal in Texas? Yes. Stake.us operates under U.S. sweepstakes laws and is available in Texas.
Is Stake.com legal in Texas? No. Stake.com is a real money casino and is not allowed in the United States.
Can I win real money at Stake.us? You can redeem Stake Cash for real prizes, including cash and gift cards, after meeting eligibility criteria.
Do I need to use a VPN in Texas to access Stake.us? No. Stake.us is available without a VPN to all eligible Texas residents.Is Stake.us better than other sweepstakes casinos? Stake.us has a sleek interface and unique features, but other platforms like WOW Vegas or McLuck offer strong alternatives depending on your preferences.