Many players have questions about casino Stakes before they deposit their first euro — here are the honest answers. This guide walks you through the entire process, from signing up to claiming bonuses and making withdrawals, with practical examples and calculations.
Prerequisites
- You must be at least 18 years old, or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.
- A valid email address and a phone number for verification purposes.
- A stable internet connection and a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge).
- An accepted payment method: Visa, Mastercard, bank transfer, or a reputable e-wallet like Skrill or Neteller.
- A government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) for the KYC procedure.
- Understanding of your local gambling laws — if you reside in Norway, note that online casinos operating under a Curacao license are not regulated by the Norwegian Gaming Authority, and winnings may be subject to Norwegian income tax.
How to Sign Up
- Navigate to the casino website via your browser. The site is mobile-optimized, but you can also use the progressive web app (PWA) — just open the site in your browser and choose «Add to Home Screen» for app-like functionality.
- Click the «Register» or «Sign Up» button, usually located in the top right corner.
- Fill in the registration form: choose a username, enter your email, create a strong password (at least 8 characters with numbers and symbols), and select your country and preferred currency.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions and the privacy policy — this is mandatory.
- Click the confirmation link sent to your email to activate your account.
- Log in and complete your profile with your full name, date of birth, and address — this must match your ID exactly.
- Before your first deposit, you may want to complete the KYC (Know Your Customer) process by uploading a copy of your ID and a proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). This speeds up future withdrawals.
Calculating Your Bonus
Bonuses at Stakes casino typically include a welcome bonus for new players. Let’s break down how to calculate the actual value you receive. Suppose the offer is a 100% match bonus up to 2000 NOK, with a wagering requirement of 35x the bonus amount. You deposit 1000 NOK.
- Your bonus = 100% of 1000 NOK = 1000 NOK.
- Total balance = 1000 (deposit) + 1000 (bonus) = 2000 NOK.
- Wagering requirement = 35 × 1000 (bonus only) = 35 000 NOK. Note: some casinos include deposit + bonus, but we assume bonus-only here.
- If the game contribution is 100% for slots and 10% for table games, you must wager 35 000 NOK on slots to complete the requirement, or 350 000 NOK on table games — which is impractical.
Important: Always read the bonus terms for contribution percentages and maximum bet limits while wagering (often capped at 100 NOK per spin). It’s also wise to calculate the expected loss during wagering. If the house edge on the slot you play is 4%, the expected loss over 35 000 NOK wagered is 1400 NOK. That means, on average, you’ll be left with 600 NOK from your bonus after meeting the requirement. Bonuses are not free money — they are a discount on your expected loss.
Deposits & Withdrawals
| Payment Method | Minimum Deposit | Withdrawal Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard | 100 NOK | 1–3 business days | None |
| Skrill/Neteller | 100 NOK | Up to 24 hours | None |
| Bank Transfer | 500 NOK | 3–7 business days | May apply |
| Cryptocurrency (if offered) | Varies | Instant | Network fee |
To deposit, go to the cashier, choose your method, enter the amount, and confirm. Withdrawals are processed after KYC verification; the first withdrawal may take longer. Always withdraw to the same method used for deposits, if possible, to avoid delays.
Safety & Licensing
Stakes casino operates under a license from Curacao, which is a common jurisdiction for international online casinos. This license ensures basic consumer protection, but it is not as stringent as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) or the UK Gambling Commission. For players in Norway, this means the casino does not hold a local license, so you are not covered by the Norwegian Gaming Authority’s complaint scheme.
The site uses SSL encryption to protect your data, and it encourages two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security. Always enable 2FA if available.
As a Curacao-licensed casino, any winnings from Stakes casino may be subject to Norwegian income tax. According to Norwegian tax law, gambling winnings from unlicensed operators are taxable as income. It is your responsibility to report and pay taxes on your winnings. Consult a tax advisor if you win a significant amount.
Support Guide
- Forgot your password? Click «Forgot Password» on the login page, enter your email, and follow the reset link. You’ll receive a temporary link that expires in 30 minutes.
- Issue with a deposit not showing up? First, check your payment method’s transaction history. If the money left your account, contact support and provide your transaction ID, date, and amount. The casino will verify and credit your account within a few hours.
- Withdrawal is stuck on «Pending»? This often happens because the KYC is incomplete. Check your email for a request to upload documents, or contact support to confirm your verification status.
- Bonus not credited? If you used a bonus code and it didn’t appear, ensure you entered it correctly and met all bonus conditions (e.g., minimum deposit). If you did, contact support with your username and the code.
- Responsible gambling concerns? You can set deposit limits, loss limits, or self-exclude from your account. Contact support to activate these tools. If you feel you need help, visit a local helpline like Hjelpelinjen for gambling addiction.
Pro Tips
To maximize your chances, focus on games with a high return to player (RTP) percentage. The best categories are usually video slots with RTP above 96%, such as Starburst (96.09%) or Book of Dead (96.21%). Blackjack offers an RTP of around 99.5% if you use basic strategy, making it the best bet in the casino. Avoid games like American roulette (RTP 94.74%) and most progressive jackpot slots (RTP often below 90%) because they take a larger cut in the long run.
Players Ask
Is Stakes casino legal for Norwegian players?
Yes, Norwegian players can access the casino, but it operates under a Curacao license and does not have a Norwegian license. This means you are not protected by Norwegian gambling regulations, and you must handle any disputes with the casino’s support or the Curacao regulator. Additionally, winnings are subject to Norwegian income tax, as mentioned.
How long does the withdrawal take?
Withdrawal times vary by method: e-wallets typically process within 24 hours, cards take 1–3 business days, and bank transfers may take 3–7 business days. After your first withdrawal, the KYC verification is complete, so subsequent withdrawals are usually faster, but the casino’s internal processing time (often 24–48 hours) adds to the total.
Can I play on my mobile device?
Yes, you can access the casino via a mobile-optimized website. There is no dedicated app for iOS or Android, but you can add the site to your home screen to use it as a progressive web app (PWA). This gives a full-screen experience and faster loading without needing an app store download.
What is the minimum deposit?
The minimum deposit is typically 100 NOK for payment methods like Visa and Skrill, but it can vary. For bank transfers, the minimum is often higher, around 500 NOK. Check the cashier section for the accurate limit for your chosen method.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
As a Norwegian resident, you must report gambling winnings from casinos that are not licensed by the Norwegian authorities. Since Stakes casino holds a Curacao license, your winnings are taxable as income. You are responsible for declaring them to the Skatteetaten. If you lose money, you cannot deduct those losses from your taxes.
What should I do if I encounter a technical error?
Try to refresh the page, clear your browser’s cache, or use a different browser. If the issue persists, contact the support team with a screenshot and a detailed description. They’ll escalate it to the technical department and keep you updated. Most common issues are resolved within a few hours.
Are there any restricted strategies?
Yes, the casino prohibits any betting strategy that involves multiple accounts, collusion, or exploiting bonuses, such as hedge betting across different games. Using a VPN to access the site from a banned country is also prohibited. Violating these rules can result in account suspension and forfeited winnings.