The collaboration between Stake and Softswiss is recognized as a significant partnership in the gaming industry, akin to the transformative joint venture between William Hill and Playtech aimed at transitioning a high street betting brand online. Stake, a niche player in the crypto gambling sector, has teamed up with Softswiss, an emerging supplier, to elevate both companies to billion-dollar enterprises poised for further expansion into locally regulated markets.
Softswiss founder Ivan Montik noted the immediate potential he saw in Stake, highlighting their ambition and commitment to quality and user experience. Stake stood out even at its inception, according to Montik.
The partnership commenced in 2020 when Stake sought an aggregator to accelerate its growth. At that point, the brand, only three years old, was limited to 15 games in its Originals catalogue. To scale rapidly, Stake required a partner that could provide crypto-optimized access to a broader range of game providers, which Softswiss facilitated.
Montik remarked, "From the start, it was clear we shared the same pace and mindset. That’s why the partnership developed so naturally.”
The collaboration enabled Stake to expand its games library from 15 to 1,500 titles almost instantly. This increase not only broadened Stake's market reach but also necessitated a complete overhaul of its platform rather than a simple API integration, as Stake co-founder Ed Craven explained.
“The team knew this was going to be a big challenge,” Craven noted. “We had to recreate our business from being a proprietary content-first website to enabling third-party providers, meaning restructuring the entire website architecture.” This overhaul marked a pivotal moment for Stake, according to Craven. “Redefining our platform to be ready and then seeing it actually come together and work was a massive milestone for our team and Stake at the time.”
Montik acknowledged the intensity of the integration process but emphasized that it fostered trust between both companies. "I remember how quickly both teams aligned. There was mutual respect and a shared sense of urgency. When two companies share that same rhythm, it becomes the foundation for everything that follows,” he stated.
The alliance with Softswiss has been crucial to Stake’s rapid growth. In 2020, the year they partnered, the gross gaming revenue (GGR) was $105 million. By 2024, GGR had surged to $4.7 billion, according to Forbes. Stake's parent company, Easygo, claims the brand accounts for 4% of global bitcoin transactions.
Stake has morphed from a challenger into a global brand and is making inroads into regulated markets, acquiring high-profile brand ambassadors like Sergio Aguero. Stake is also expanding its fiat presence in licensed markets through acquisitions, including Betfair Colombia, VinderCasino operator MocinoPlay in Denmark, and IdealBet in Italy. Craven noted that the partnership with Softswiss is instrumental in this growth.
"Having such easy access to all third-party content providers has allowed us the ability to compete at the highest level,” he said. “It removed barriers that would have slowed us down and let us focus on what we do best.”
Montik highlighted a shared philosophy regarding technology within the two companies: “We both see technology not just as a tool but as a means to empower ideas. That’s what makes this collaboration so strong.”
Softswiss is experiencing its own remarkable growth, having recently surpassed 100 brands launched on its Game Aggregator, which now features over 36,700 games from 300 developers, although it does not disclose revenue figures.
The evolution of the partnership reflects changes in both organizations since 2020. Craven appreciated Softswiss’ proactive approach to pitching ideas: “Even when we don't say yes to every idea, Softswiss is proactive with content suggestions and new approaches. That makes all the difference in an industry that moves as fast as ours does.”
A focus on enhancing player experience is key to both companies, with Craven asserting that this will drive future growth: “Stake is built for fans. Our players want new experiences and innovative ways to interact with games, so staying ahead of what excites them is crucial.” He emphasized the importance of seamless and positive interactions for customers.
Montik added, “Innovation only matters when it creates value for the player. The challenge for modern iGaming companies is to maintain speed and creativity while ensuring trust and transparency. Stake manages that balance very well, and it’s something we at Softswiss deeply value in our partners.”
As Stake expands into regulated markets, Craven recognizes the importance of offering a distinct user experience. Competing effectively in fiat currencies is a major goal, necessitating superior offerings compared to existing market options.
The evolution from a partnership between two challengers to a strategic alliance between two significant market players has positioned both firms to stay ahead of industry changes. Craven anticipates a shift toward more interactive gaming experiences that go beyond traditional slots and table games. “Players' attention spans have shifted; they want something new, they want variety, they want mechanics that feel fresh. The challenge is to stay ahead of that demand.”
Montik stated that operators must respond responsibly to customer needs. He emphasized the need for personalized, socially engaging experiences, which cultivate stronger relationships while prioritizing player safety.
Both leaders underscored that trust remains a cornerstone of their collaboration. Craven stated, “The right partner is someone who’s proactive, who brings opportunities to the table, and who’s willing to grow alongside you rather than just provide a service.” Montik reinforced this sentiment, saying, “What truly defines success for us isn’t just the software, it’s the relationships behind it.”
Softswiss’ Game Aggregator marked its 10th anniversary this year. Montik expressed pride in Stake’s emergence as a leading name in iGaming, stating that their shared technology and vision affirm their long-term objectives.
As both companies look toward future markets, game innovations, and regulatory challenges, their synchronized efforts are evident. Montik concluded, “When you have that level of trust and shared ambition, true synergy becomes possible. And when you have that, long-term success follows naturally.”
