What is Stake? Sports Betting Stake Explained for New Bettors

David Genge Editor

Fact checked by:
Mike Goodpaster Last Verified
08/09/2026

What is a Stake?

The stake is the amount of money risked as at a sports betting site on the outcome of an event.

There are different types of bet but typically if the predicted outcome comes true then the bettor will receive the winnings determined by the odds as well as the original stake.

If the prediction is incorrect, then the bettor cannot lose any more than the original stake. This is a Stake and is not to be confused with Stake.us, the sweepstakes casino brand, but if you are interested in their bonuses and promotions, see the breakdown of Stake.us bonus drops here.

Protect your Stake with Betting Bonuses

4.8 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

BetMGM Bonus

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

20+ sports available for wagering Pre-match and in-play betting Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds

Promo Code: BETBONUSMGM

Bet Now

+9

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

4.8 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• 20+ sports available for wagering
• Pre-match and in-play betting
• Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

FanDuel Bonus

New Users – Get $250 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 5 days

Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds

Bet Now

+6

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
• Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
• Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

4.6 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

DraftKings Bonus

New DraftKings Customer: SPEND $5, GET $200 IN BONUSES

Bet on 40+ different sports Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets

Bet Now

+7

To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.6 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• Bet on 40+ different sports
• Dynamic odds on live, in-play fixtures
• Deposit and bet $5 to receive up to $300 in bonus bets

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now To be eligible for DraftKings Sportsbook and the Promotion, you must be physically located in AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NH, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR (residents only), TN, VA, VT, WY, WV, CA-ONT or CA-AB (each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”). Must be 21+ years of age or older (18+ if in DC/NH/PR/WY/CA-AB) (19+ in CA-ONT). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA) Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

4.6 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Fanatics Bonus

Get Up to $1,000 Matched in FanCash

15+ sports categories An extensive range of betting markets Supports in-play betting and live streaming

Bet Now

+3

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

4.6 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• 15+ sports categories
• An extensive range of betting markets
• Supports in-play betting and live streaming

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER OR CALL 1-800-MY-RESET, www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), (800)-327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877)8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT), morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), 1800gambler.net (WV)

How is a Stake used in Sports Betting?

It depends on the certainty of the bettor – or maybe how experienced they are – but the stake is the name given to the amount of money placed as a wager in a bet. For example, if Arsenal were 3/1 to win the FA Cup and a bettor placed a £10 wager on that outcome, the £10 would be the amount of the stake. If the bet won then they would receive £30 in winning returns – plus the original £10 stake.

In an each way bet there is effectively two bets – the win and the place. So, using the same example, the bettor’s stake would be £20, as they would be betting not only on Arsenal to win the FA Cup but also for them to place in the competition (usually just the runners-up in most sportsbooks). Either or both of those predictions could come true.

Bettors will sometimes work with a betting strategy like our soccer betting strategy guide and make different bets with different amounts after consulting the odds to cover more bases.

Limits on Stake

All of the best bookmakers will likely place limits on what your stake can be. On the low end, it could be as little as $1 or even $0.50. On the upper end depending on how long you've had an account and your previous betting history it could be tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

If you're new to the betting game, your account will likely be limited by the sportsbook. That's for their protection and yours as well.

Sites with the Lowest Stakes

4.8 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

BetMGM Review

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

20+ sports available for wagering Pre-match and in-play betting Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds

Promo Code: BETBONUSMGM

Bet Now

+9

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

4.8 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• 20+ sports available for wagering
• Pre-match and in-play betting
• Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Bet365 Review

Bet $10 Get $365 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose

Over 20 sports Extensive betting markets Live betting feature

Find out more on bet365's website

Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• Over 20 sports
• Extensive betting markets
• Live betting feature

Cashout yes

Partial Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

FanDuel Review

New Users – Get $250 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 for 5 days

Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds

Bet Now

+6

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

4.7 / 5

betting.net™ Rating

Top Features

• Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
• Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
• Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds

Cashout yes

Live Streams yes

Mobile Statistics yes

Bet Now Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., KY, WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days.$5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA). ™/© 2026 MLB

Did you know...

Boxer Floyd Mayweather is known for his betting just as much as his ability in the ring thanks to his huge bets. One of his most famous wagers was when he placed a £5.9m stake on Miami Heat to beat the Indiana Pacers in basketball. He was successful too – earning him a cool £6.4m.

See also

Accumulator

Bonus

Cash Out

Hedging