A referral code is the single most underused tool for new crypto casino players. Entering one at signup costs nothing — but skipping it means missing out on rakeback and bonuses that never appear once your account exists. Here's everything you need to know.
A referral code is a unique code entered during casino registration that unlocks exclusive rewards — typically higher rakeback, a deposit bonus, or free spins that aren't available without one. At Stake, it activates affiliate rakeback from your very first bet. It's free, takes 5 seconds to enter, and cannot be added after you've signed up.
A referral code — also called a bonus code, promo code, invite code, or affiliate code depending on the platform — is a short alphanumeric string that ties your new casino account to a specific partner or promotion. When you enter it at registration, the casino activates a pre-negotiated reward package that goes beyond what's available on the standard sign-up page.
The casino funds this entirely from its marketing budget. There's no catch, no higher deposit required, and no wagering requirements attached to the code itself. You simply enter it in the correct field during signup — and start with more than you would have otherwise.
A referral code must be entered during registration. At virtually every crypto casino — including Stake — it cannot be added, applied, or activated after your account exists. If you sign up without one and realize your mistake later, you'll need a new account (which may violate Terms of Service). Always get a code before you register.
The specific rewards depend on the casino and the affiliate partner behind the code. Here's what the best codes typically activate:
| Reward Type | What It Means | At Stake? |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliate Rakeback | A % of every wager returned in real cash — no wagering requirements | ✅ Yes — from bet #1 |
| Deposit Bonus | Match bonus on your first deposit (e.g. 100% up to $200) | Varies by partner |
| Free Spins | Spins on selected slots credited after signup | Varies by offer |
| No Deposit Bonus | Small bonus credited without depositing first | Rare at Stake |
| Boosted VIP Start | Faster path to VIP tiers due to stacked rakeback | ✅ Indirect effect |
At Stake specifically, the primary benefit of using a referral code is affiliate rakeback — a percentage of your wagered amount returned to you in cash, automatically, on every bet. This is separate from and stacks on top of the standard VIP tier rakeback you earn as you level up.
Players often confuse these two terms. They work differently and unlock different types of value:
The practical takeaway: a referral code delivers ongoing value through rakeback, while a promo code is a one-time boost. If you had to choose one, a referral code with solid rakeback beats a promo code with wagering requirements almost every time.
Stake's registration form is streamlined and the code field is often not prominent. Look for a small "Code" or "Referral Code" input near the bottom of the form. If you don't see it immediately, scroll down or check for an expandable section. Once you submit the form without a code, it's too late.
Referral codes are distributed by casino affiliates — websites, streamers, and content creators who have negotiated special deals with the casino in exchange for sending new players. The casino pays the affiliate a commission; the affiliate passes some of that value back to you as rakeback or bonuses.
This is why codes from reputable affiliates often unlock better terms than signing up directly. The casino's standard sign-up page is designed for mass conversion — affiliate codes are for players who know what they're looking for.
If a friend shares their personal referral link, they likely benefit from a referral bonus when you join — but the ongoing rakeback rate for you may be lower than what a professional affiliate can offer. Dedicated affiliate codes are specifically negotiated for maximum player-side value.
False. A referral code does not impose any minimum deposit beyond the casino's standard minimum. The rakeback and bonuses it unlocks have no extra funding conditions.
False at Stake and most major crypto casinos. The code must be entered during registration. There is no post-signup field to apply a referral code to an existing account.
False. Different affiliate partners have negotiated different rakeback rates. Some codes unlock 5% affiliate rakeback, others up to 10%+. The code you use matters — always check what a specific code activates before registering.
5 seconds to copy-paste during registration. Ongoing rakeback for every future bet. Zero cost. No wagering requirements on the rakeback itself. It's the highest ROI action a new player can take before their first deposit.
Get the current best referral code and activate rakeback from your first bet — free, instant, no wagering conditions.