Modo.us
#5 · Tier 2
7.2/10
The deepest game library among the alternatives — roughly 8× CardCrush's count — but blocked in CA and NY.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
Tier 2
Stake.us Review (2026)
Casino + poker · Dual-currency sweepstakes · Updated June 10, 2026
6.9/10
Crush scoreLegal model
Dual-currency sweepstakes
Legal states
11 states (excl. CA/NY)
Format
Casino + poker
Entry currency
Stake Cash
Signup offer
Free SC on signup
Min. redeem
$100
Bonus wagering
1×
AMOE
Yes
The verdict
This Stake.us review scores the brand 6.9/10, placing it in Tier 2 among the eight brands CrushCards ranks. Stake.us pairs a deep dual-currency sweepstakes casino with a dedicated poker room on the best-in-class platform of the Tier 2 set. Two drawbacks weigh on the score: a $100 redemption floor, the steepest CrushCards tracks, and no access in California or New York. Stake.us fits experienced players outside those states who want casino and poker under one roof.
Score breakdown
Legality & state coverage(25%)5.5
Game & card content(20%)8.0
Prizes & redemption(15%)6.0
Bonuses & value(15%)7.5
Trust & compliance(15%)7.0
UX & platform(10%)8.5
Weighted average = 6.9/10. See how every brand scores in the scoring rationale.
Key strengths
- Casino library plus a dedicated poker room
- Strong brand recognition and a polished, fast platform
- 1× playthrough on the sweepstakes currency
Watch-outs
- High $100 redemption minimum — the steepest we track
- Not available in California or New York
- Dual-currency model exposed to sweeps legislation
How Stake.us works
Stake.us is a dual-currency sweepstakes casino, not a real-money gambling site. Stake.us runs two currencies: Gold Coins for free play with no cash value, and Stake Cash for prize-eligible play. A free Alternative Method of Entry lets players collect Stake Cash without a purchase.
Stake.us applies a 1× playthrough to Stake Cash before redemption, the simplest tier of wagering. Stake.us layers a dedicated poker room on top of the casino catalog, a format pairing few sweepstakes brands offer. That casino-plus-poker breadth is why Stake.us scores 8.0 on content.
Is Stake.us legal in your state?
Within the 13 states CrushCards tracks, Stake.us operates in 11, excluding California and New York. Stake.us sits in Tier 2 because its dual-currency model cannot clear the California and New York bans under AB 831 and SB 5935A. State availability can change, so confirm Stake.us status before signing up.
Stake.us remains a credible option everywhere it still runs outside California and New York. Players in California or New York who want a legal brand should compare CardCrush, the Tier 1 option that operates in both states. The dual-currency structure keeps Stake.us exposed to future state sweepstakes legislation.
Bonuses and value
Stake.us gives new players free Stake Cash at signup with no purchase required. Stake.us adds recurring daily bonuses on top of the welcome Stake Cash. The brand applies a 1× playthrough to Stake Cash, lower than the 10× requirement at the parimutuel brands.
Stake.us value depends heavily on the redemption floor, which sits at $100. Players should weigh that steep threshold against the free signup Stake Cash before committing. Bonus amounts change often, so verify the live offer first.
Prizes and redemption
Stake.us redeems Stake Cash for cash-equivalent prizes after KYC verification. Stake.us opens redemption from a $100 minimum, the highest of any brand CrushCards ranks. That floor is ten times the $10 floors at the legal-core leaders and the main reason prizes score 6.0.
The $100 floor means Stake.us players must accumulate far more before a first withdrawal than at CardCrush or Horseplay.
Games and poker
Stake.us hosts a deep casino catalog of slots and table games plus a dedicated poker room. That casino-plus-poker pairing is uncommon among sweepstakes brands and earns the 8.0 content score. Stake.us runs the fastest, most polished platform of the Tier 2 set, which lifts UX to 8.5.
Stake.us serves experienced players who want variety across slots, tables, and poker in one account. The platform's speed and brand recognition reinforce the content advantage. Players who want the single deepest library should still weigh Modo.us, which leads the Tier 2 set on raw catalog size.
Stake.us vs the alternatives
Stake.us sits in Tier 2 alongside Modo.us, McLuck, and ClubWPT Gold, all blocked in or absent from California and New York. Each peer trades on a different mix of library, value, and format. The table compares the four on the specs that decide value.
Against Modo.us, Stake.us adds a poker room and a faster platform, while Modo.us wins on a deeper library and a far lower $20 floor. Against ClubWPT Gold, Stake.us offers casino breadth beyond poker, while ClubWPT Gold brings World Poker Tour trust and a $20 floor. Against McLuck, Stake.us layers poker on a slicker platform, while McLuck offers a far lower gift-card redemption floor. Players who need California or New York access should instead compare CardCrush.
Who should play Stake.us
Stake.us fits experienced players outside California and New York who want casino and poker on one polished platform. The dedicated poker room, deep catalog, and 1× wagering reward players who value variety and platform speed. The free Stake Cash signup gives a no-cost way to test the brand.
Stake.us is a weaker fit for budget players and California or New York residents. Anyone deterred by a $100 redemption floor should compare Modo.us or McLuck, and CA or NY players should weigh CardCrush or Horseplay. Players uneasy about dual-currency legislation should note that the model stays exposed to state bans.
The bottom line
Stake.us earns 6.9/10 as the Tier 2 brand with the strongest platform and the rare casino-plus-poker pairing. The score reflects a deep catalog, a dedicated poker room, 1× wagering, and best-in-class UX. The $100 redemption floor and the lack of California and New York access are the marks against it. Experienced players outside those states who want casino and poker together have a strong option here.
Where Stake.us is available
Status across the 13 CardCrush legal states as of June 10, 2026. Verify current status before play.
How we scored Stake.us
Scored on the same 6-category, fixed-weight rubric applied to all 8 brands. See the full methodology →
5.5Legality & state coverage25%
Dual-currency model — blocked in CA / NY, exposed to sweeps legislation.
8.0Game & card content20%
Deep casino catalog plus a poker room; strong content breadth.
6.0Prizes & redemption15%
$100 floor is the steepest we track and drags the prizes score down.
7.5Bonuses & value15%
Solid free-SC signup and 1× wagering.
7.0Trust & compliance15%
Well-recognized brand with AMOE and RG tooling.
8.5UX & platform10%
Best-in-class platform speed and polish among the alternatives.
Alternatives to Stake.us
McLuck
#7 · Tier 2
6.7/10
A well-known sweeps brand with a broad slots-and-table library — but it exited CA / NY in late 2025.
Dual-currency sweepstakes11 states
ClubWPT Gold
#4 · Tier 1
7.0/10
World Poker Tour brand trust and broad NY access — but it's poker-only, with no slots or table games.
Sweepstakes (subscription)11 states
Stake.us FAQ
Why is the Stake.us redemption minimum so high?
Stake.us sets a $100 redemption floor, the steepest of the eight brands CrushCards ranks. That floor is ten times the $10 minimum at CardCrush and Horseplay. Factor the threshold into expected play before signing up.
Can I play Stake.us in California or New York?
No. Stake.us is a dual-currency sweepstakes brand and is not available in California or New York. Players in those states should compare CardCrush, which operates in both. Verify current state status before registering.
Is Stake.us legit?
Yes, within the sweepstakes model. Stake.us runs no-purchase-necessary entry and redeems Stake Cash for cash-equivalent prizes where state law allows. Stake.us is not a real-money casino and offers a free AMOE.
Is Stake.us real money?
No. Stake.us does not offer real-money gambling, and Gold Coins hold no cash value. Players redeem Stake Cash for cash-equivalent prizes after KYC. Redemption opens from $100.
Is Stake.us free to play?
Yes. Stake.us gives free Stake Cash at signup and accepts a free Alternative Method of Entry. Gold Coins also power unlimited non-prize play. Stake Cash carries a 1× playthrough before redemption.
Does Stake.us have a poker room?
Yes. Stake.us layers a dedicated poker room on its casino catalog, a pairing few sweepstakes brands offer. That breadth earns an 8.0 content score. The poker room runs on the same fast platform as the casino games.
Ready to play Stake.us?
Crush score 6.9/10. Verify legal status in your state before you register.
FTC disclosure: crush-cards.com earns affiliate commissions when readers register through links on this page. No brand paid for placement or ranking. Comparisons use publicly available data as of June 10, 2026.
Responsible gaming: Real-prize gaming involves financial risk. 18+ (21+ where required). Problem gambling? Call 1-800-522-4700.
Availability: Stake.us is available in 11 states. State availability is subject to change — verify at the brand before registering.
By J. Marsh · independent reviewer. About the editor