Cloudbet and Stake are two of the best-known crypto sportsbooks, but they pull in different directions. One leans on a clean welcome package with no wagering; the other skips the standing bonus entirely and rewards regulars. Here is an honest, side-by-side look — no pay-to-rank, no invented numbers.

Quick verdict

If you want a straightforward welcome offer and deep esports coverage, Cloudbet is the more obvious pick. If you bet often and value near-instant crypto withdrawals plus VIP rakeback over an upfront bonus, Stake fits better. There is no single winner — it depends on how you actually bet.

Licensing and trust

Cloudbet has been running since 2013, making it one of the earliest crypto-betting pioneers, and it holds licences in both Curacao and Montenegro. Stake, established in 2017, operates under a Curacao licence only. Neither is regulated in the UK or US, and both are restricted in a number of regions including those two markets.

Curacao licensing offers lighter player protection than stricter jurisdictions like the MGA or UK Gambling Commission. That is not a reason to avoid these books outright — both are established, well-known brands — but it does mean you carry more responsibility to check terms, verify withdrawal limits and keep records. Cloudbet’s additional Montenegro licence is a small point in its favour on the trust side.

Odds and markets

Both books cover the core sports — football, basketball, tennis and esports — with pre-match and in-play markets. Cloudbet is a standout for esports, described in our data as market-leading, and adds American football and cricket. Stake runs deep pre-match and in-play markets with strong football, esports and player-props coverage, and it also lists American football, cricket and MMA.

If player props and combo markets on major football are your thing, Stake’s depth is a genuine draw. If esports is central to your betting, Cloudbet’s coverage is hard to beat. We don’t publish exact odds here because they move constantly — compare live prices yourself before committing.

Bonuses

Cloudbet headlines a welcome package with no wagering attached, which is a meaningfully fair structure when so many bonuses come loaded with playthrough requirements. Stake takes a different approach: there’s no standing deposit-match bonus, but active bettors earn VIP rewards and rakeback over time.

Neither model is automatically “better.” A no-wagering welcome suits newer or occasional bettors; rakeback rewards suit high-volume regulars. Always check current terms directly on the site before depositing, as promotions change.

Payments and crypto

This is where both books are strongest and most similar. Cloudbet is crypto only, supporting Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Litecoin and 30-plus other coins, with payouts quoted under one hour. Stake supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDT, Litecoin and more, with near-instant crypto withdrawals.

Neither is a good fit if you need fiat: Cloudbet doesn’t take it at all, and Stake’s fiat options depend on your region. For a crypto-native bettor, both are excellent.

Who each suits best

Choose Cloudbet if you want a clean no-wagering welcome package, class-leading esports, and the reassurance of a longer track record plus a second licence. Choose Stake if you’re a frequent bettor who prefers rakeback to a fixed bonus, wants near-instant withdrawals, and values deep player-props and football markets.

There’s no single winner

Both are strong crypto sportsbooks with genuine strengths, and both share the same core caveats: crypto focus, Curacao-based licensing and regional restrictions. The right choice comes down to whether you value an upfront welcome offer (Cloudbet) or long-term rewards and speed (Stake). Compare both against the field on our best betting sites page, read the full Cloudbet and Stake reviews, and set your limits first via responsible gambling.

18+. Gambling involves real financial risk. If it stops being fun, take a break — play responsibly.