Company Info
Launched in 2022 by Yellowbrick Holdings Limited
Website
Restricted States
Idaho, Michigan, Nevada and Washington
Welcome Bonus Details
Cashback Rewards for Frequent Players
Available Currencies
Fun Cash, Sweeps Cash
Payment Methods
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple/Google Pay, Bank Transfer, PaySafeCard, Revolut, Skrill, Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, USD Coin, Ripple, Dogecoin
Gaming Software
Bespoke Titles, NowNow Gaming, Trusty Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, Backseat Gaming, Bullshark Games
Gaming Categories
Instant Win, Video Slots, Chest Battles, Bonus Buys
Support Contacts
Email, Live Chat, Help Center, Social Medea Messaging
General Ratings Runestake Casino
Runestake Casino Review
Runestake is a fascinating gaming platform built on blockchain technology, combining unique RPG features and PVP-based collection mechanics with elements of social casino games. It operates as an offshore platform that provides a gaming experience distinct from traditional US sweepstakes casinos.
Launched in 2022 by Yellowbrick Holdings Limited, I first came across Runestake when it was primarily a crypto “arena,” concentrating on player-versus-player duels and chest battles.
For several months, I didn’t pay much attention to the site, until I found out it had undergone a significant transformation. This update introduced a wide variety of slots from providers like Hacksaw, Bullshark, and Backseat Gaming. Players can now win real cash prizes by staking Sweeps Cash on slots or by engaging in the platform’s instant-win games.
The site features a distinct Rewards System, which offers rakeback as bonuses on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, as well as cases and caskets for leveling up. However, it does not provide any regular bonuses.
Pros
- High-quality video slots and bonus purchase options from top providers, along with some exclusive titles
- A solid selection of crypto games and distinctive case battle features
- VIP perks include chests and caskets as rewards
- Straightforward and user-friendly redemption terms
- A visually appealing and modern website layout
Cons
- Limited game selection with minimal variety
- Missing no-deposit bonuses and initial purchase offers
- Routine promotions that fail to stand out
- A complicated payment process for non-crypto transactions
- Absence of responsible gaming measures or support tools
Runestake operates as a free-to-play sweepstakes casino, but accessing free gameplay requires a bit of effort. Players need to hunt for promo codes, refer friends, or engage in Discord giveaways to earn free currency. Unlike some competitors, the platform doesn’t provide a no-deposit welcome bonus or special offers on initial purchases. If you prefer a sweepstakes casino where acquiring free currency is quicker and more convenient, check out our links to join some of the most reputable sweepstakes sites available in the US.
Legal States
As outlined in Runestake’s terms and conditions, players must be 18 years or older and not reside or be physically located in Washington, Michigan, Nevada, or Idaho in order to create a free account and participate in gameplay.
It’s important to note that Runestake is an offshore social casino based in Belize City, Belize. This allows the platform to avoid some of the location-based restrictions that domestic sweepstakes casinos must adhere to. However, it appears that they have now included all states with sweepstakes restrictions on their list.
How Runestake Casino Works
Runestake’s foundation shares similarities with many US sweepstakes casinos. The platform uses Fun Cash as its equivalent to Gold Coins, which can be used to play games for free. It also employs Sweeps Cash, which can be staked to win real money prizes. However, it’s important to note that each purchase of Sweeps Cash is valued at $0.50.
In addition to these currencies, the site introduces a distinctive “in-game gold” currency. This can be earned through rewards from chests and caskets or bought with Sweeps Cash at the Gold Exchange. Items acquired from these chests and caskets can also be traded at the exchange.
Runestake Casino Bonuses
Runestake does not provide the typical no-deposit or first purchase bonuses found in traditional sweepstakes casinos. Registered users can only replenish their balance through methods such as entering free promo codes, taking part in Discord giveaways, or using the referral program to invite friends.
Rather than offering conventional bonuses and promotions, players can earn cases and caskets as they level up. They can also unlock benefits like access to Cash Rain events by accumulating experience points within the platform’s Rewards System.
Bonuses Review
| No Deposit Bonus | None |
| Promo Code | Not Required |
| First Purchase Bonus Package | None |
| Daily Free Credits | Cashback |
| VIP Program | Yes |
| Mail-in Bonus | None |
| Referral Bonus | Yes |
At Runestake, new players can enjoy free gameplay, but only by using an active promo code, inviting friends through the referral program, or participating in the casino’s daily social media giveaways.
Once you collect free currency, you can start betting on games and accumulating experience points (XP). These points play a key role in the Rewards program, allowing you to level up and unlock keys that grant access to chests and caskets filled with valuable items.
In addition to these rewards, regular players benefit from rakeback bonuses on all Sweeps Cash wagers, which can be claimed daily, weekly, and monthly. Here’s how each bonus works:
- Referral Program – Generate a unique referral link, share it with friends, and receive a percentage of their total Sweeps Cash wagers.
- Cash Rain – Every hour, Sweeps Cash drops are available in the chatroom, but players must earn at least 50 XP to qualify.
- Social Giveaways – By following Runestake on X and joining their Discord, players can enter daily Sweeps Cash giveaway events.
- Rakeback Bonus – Up to 20% of all Sweeps Cash wagers can be reclaimed at different intervals—daily, weekly, and monthly.
- Promo Codes – Free promo codes and vouchers are frequently shared by Runestake streamers and on the casino’s social media pages.
- Level-Up Cases – Players unlock cases containing lower to mid-tier rewards at Level 2, Level 10, and then every 10 levels up to 99.
- Casket Rewards – Premium-level rewards can be found in free caskets, which are given out as level-up bonuses every 10 levels, up to 99.
With a variety of reward opportunities, Runestake ensures that both new and returning players have multiple ways to earn free bonuses and enhance their experience.
Promotions & Bonus Assessment
Runestake Casino-Style Games
Runestake offers a collection of over 100 slots and nearly a dozen exclusive games. Most of these games (99+) are from Hacksaw Gaming, with Bullshark Games and Backseat Gaming contributing just over 15 slots in total.
The “House Games” section of the site includes 7 original Runestake games, along with more than 10 Hacksaw Gaming Instant Win games such as Plinko, Baccarat, Hi-Lo, Mines, Lines, and Limbo.
While all games are immediately accessible, the game lobby lacks detailed information, offering only the names of the game developers without further context.
Games and Software Review
| Our Top Picks | Plinko, Hand of Anubis, Chests, 2 Wild 2 Die, Beam Boys |
| Number of Slots | 100+ |
| Jackpot Games | None |
| Table Games | 5 |
| Other Gaming Options | Crypto Games, Chest Battles, Instant Win games |
| Gaming Vendors | Bespoke Titles, NowNow Gaming, Trusty Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming, Backseat Gaming, Bullshark Games |
Runestake has integrated nearly the entire Hacksaw Gaming catalog, offering both classic favorites like Beam Boys and Drop’Em alongside newer fan-favorites such as Hand of Anubis. While slots from developers like Backseat Gaming and Bullshark Games are less common, the platform still features a solid selection of high-RTP options, including Pickle Bandits, Fireborn, and Blade Master.
As a sweepstakes casino primarily focused on video slots, Runestake doesn’t offer an extensive variety of specialized categories like Hold & Win, Jackpots, or Cascading Reels. However, given that Hacksaw Gaming is well-known for its Bonus Buy mechanics, this remains one of the few alternative iGaming genres available on the platform beyond traditional slots.
The House Games category on Runestake offers a selection of unique, in-house developed games that provide players with engaging and innovative gaming experiences. These games are designed to offer fresh alternatives to traditional casino offerings, ensuring a diverse and entertaining environment for all users.
- Slide is a social, multiplayer game where players can bet on one of three outcomes: Hat, Bow, or Swords. Hat and Bow offer 2x multipliers with equal chances, while Swords provides a 14x multiplier with a narrower win potential. Players can choose to bet on one, two, or all three options simultaneously, adding strategic depth to the gameplay. The game utilizes a provably fair system, ensuring transparency and fairness in every round.
- Chest Unboxing is a single-player game that allows users to open chests containing valuable items, with the potential to win up to 1000x their bet. Players can select from a variety of RuneScape-themed chests, each offering different rewards. After purchasing a chest, players spin a wheel to reveal their prize, providing an exciting and rewarding experience.
- Chest Battles introduces a competitive Player vs. Player (PvP) element, where users face off against others in chest-opening duels. With three distinct battle modes to choose from, players can test their luck and strategy against opponents, aiming to secure the most valuable items and emerge victorious.
- Roll is a simple yet captivating game where a random number between 0 and 100 is generated. Players win if the number lands within a predetermined range (the blue zone) and lose if it falls outside (the red zone). By adjusting the slider, players can modify their odds and potential payouts, balancing risk and reward according to their preferences.
Each game within the House Games category is crafted to ensure fairness and transparency, utilizing provably fair systems that allow players to verify the integrity of each game outcome. This commitment to fairness, combined with innovative game design, makes the House Games category a standout feature on the Runestake platform.
The Hacksaw Originals category on Runestake features an array of innovative games developed by Hacksaw Gaming, a company renowned for its creative approach to online gaming. Established in 2018, Hacksaw Gaming has built a diverse portfolio that includes slots, scratch cards, and instant win games, all designed to provide engaging and unique experiences for players.
Games Assesment
Runestake Casino Banking
Runestake stands apart from conventional sweepstakes casinos by offering players the ability to purchase Fun Cash (Gold Coins) along with “in-game gold.” Unlike standard currency, Sweeps Cash functions as a bonus balance that becomes redeemable after meeting a single playthrough requirement.
The process of acquiring or cashing out in-game gold operates through a more intricate system involving chest and casket drops. This system is directly linked to the Gold Exchange, where players have the option to either sell their collected items or buy additional ones from fellow users.
Payments Assessment
| Runestake Casino Banking | Purchases | Redemptions | Average Redemption Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa/Mastercard/AMEX | Yes | No | - |
| PayPal/Apple Pay/Google Pay | Yes | No | - |
| Skrill/PaySafeCard/Revolut | Yes | No | - |
| Cryptocurrencies | Yes | Yes | up to 1 day |
| Bank Transfers | Yes | No | - |
Making purchases on Runestake can be a bit complicated, as Fun Cash bundles aren’t bought directly on the site. Instead, players must acquire them through third-party exchanges such as Swapped, Pulse, Kinguin, and G2A. On the plus side, the platform supports a broad range of payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Skrill, PaySafeCard, and bank transfers, along with popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
Unlike many sweepstakes casinos, Runestake doesn’t enforce a strict minimum redemption amount. According to the terms and conditions, players must simply wager all Sweeps Cash at least once before requesting a redemption.
Withdrawals for cash prizes can only be processed through cryptocurrency transactions. While Runestake operates on a blockchain-based system designed for fast payments, the terms indicate that redemptions may take several hours as the team completes necessary verification procedures.
| Cost | Fun Cash | Sweeps Cash |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | 10 | 10 |
| $10 | 20 | 20 |
| $25 | 50 | 50 |
| $50 | 100 | 100 |
| $100 | 200 | 200 |
| $200 | 400 | 400 |
| $300 | 600 | 600 |
| $400 | 800 | 800 |
| $500 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
At the top center of the screen, you’ll find your wallet, where you can easily manage your balances. By tapping on the displayed amount, you can toggle between Fun Cash and Sweeps Cash, while selecting the “Wallet” icon will direct you to the purchase and redemption section.
Fun Cash is available in pre-set packages on specific exchanges, such as Kinguin and G2A, each supporting limited payment options. However, if you prefer more flexibility, purchasing through Swapped.com allows you to buy any amount of Fun Cash you choose. The platform even provides a built-in Purchase Calculator to help you determine the exact cost before completing your transaction.
Regardless of the exchange or payment method used, there are no special discounts or promotions tied to purchases. Fun Cash maintains a fixed value of $0.50 per token, whether acquired or redeemed. Additionally, for every Fun Cash purchase, players receive an automatic 100% match in free Sweeps Cash.
Payments Assessment
Is Runestake Casino Legit?
Runestake was originally launched by Yellowbrick Holdings Limited, a company for which almost no publicly available information exists. In fact, all the data I could find suggests that the company has since been dissolved.
The platform underwent a significant transformation when it incorporated casino-style gaming elements. There is some speculation that this shift may have required a relocation to Belize due to its more relaxed iGaming regulations, though no official documents confirm this move.
Despite the lack of corporate transparency, Runestake maintains a strong player base, with hundreds of users actively engaged at any given time. Its collaboration with Hacksaw Gaming also adds a layer of credibility. While a handful of disgruntled Reddit users have voiced complaints, there are no widespread reports or major red flags that would suggest Runestake is a scam or fraudulent operation.
Company and Safety Review
| Company: | Yellowbrick Holdings Ltd. |
| License: | Not required |
| RNG-tested Games: | Yes |
| Age Restrictions: | 18+ |
| KYC Checks: | Yes |
| Website Encryption: | Blockchain technologies |
| Operating Since: | 2022 |
Runestake does not currently provide responsible gaming tools or features, nor does it have an established Responsible Gaming policy.
This may be due to its history as a PVP gaming platform before integrating casino-style elements. In its earlier form, players would acquire in-game gold, open chests, and compete in PVP battles—activities that did not traditionally require responsible gaming safeguards. Because gambling wasn’t a core aspect of the platform at the time, the implementation of such measures may not have been considered necessary.
Safety Assessment & Trust Score
Runestake Casino Customer Support
Runestake provides multiple customer support options, including email, social media, a Helpdesk, live chat, an FAQ section, and a public Chatroom.
However, not all of these features are immediately accessible to new players. Live chat support becomes available only after earning at least 1 XP, while access to the Chatroom requires a minimum of 50 XP.
ssentially, players must wager their Sweeps Cash to unlock features that most sweepstakes casinos offer freely—even to those who haven’t registered.
Contacts Review
| Phone | No |
| [email protected] | |
| Live Chat | Yes |
| FAQ Page | Yes |
| Other Contact Options | Helpdesk, Social Media Support, Live Chat |
| Response Time | up to 1 hour |
Support Assessment
Runestake Casino UX
Runestake’s website offers an impressive user design with a well-structured and intuitive lobby. Navigating the platform is straightforward, but the lack of clear explanations for its features may leave new players feeling a bit lost at first.
All essential shortcuts are housed in the left sidebar, providing quick access to active events, in-game gold exchanges, the game catalog, the referral program, and available rewards.
The central section of the site showcases the casino’s key highlights, including tournaments, promotions, leaderboards, and featured games. Meanwhile, the Chatroom is positioned on the right side of the screen—be sure to watch for special animations that appear whenever the hourly “Cash Rain” event is activated.
Accessibility Review
| Apps | No |
| Mobile Casino | Yes |
| Mobile-Specific Features | No |
| Number of Mobile Games | 100+ |
| Filtering Options | Game by Title, Provider, Popular Games |
| Aspects That Are Missing on Mobile | Native Mobile app |
UX Assessment
Runestake Casino Sister Sites
The absence of information about Yellowbrick Holding Ltd., the owner of Runestake, certainly raises some red flags. When a company’s ownership is shrouded in mystery and there are no verifiable reviews or testimonials to establish its credibility, it makes it difficult to trust the legitimacy of the platform. This lack of transparency can be a concern, especially in the online gaming and sweepstakes industry, where players generally look for well-established and reputable operators. Without further clarity or a track record to verify, it’s hard to gauge the trustworthiness of Runestake.
Comparison
| Sites Similar to Runestake | Games | Welcome Bonus | Apps | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runestake | 100+ | none | No | Exclusive chest battles PVP games |
| Vegas Gems | 1,300+ | Up to 1,000 Gems | No | A polished and modern user interface |
| Stake.us | 1,200+ | 250,000 GC & 25 SC | No | Highly sought-after exclusive games |
| High 5 Casino | 1,500+ | 5 SC, 250 GC, and 600 Diamonds | iOS, Android | An exceptional VIP rewards program |
| RealPrize | 350+ | 100,000 GC & 2 SC | No | A generous offer for first-time purchases |
| No | - | - | - | - |
| No | - | - | - | - |
| No | - | - | - | - |
How It Stacks Up
Runestake’s unique blend of RPG-style blockchain gaming with casino features sets it apart from more traditional sweepstakes casinos, but it also makes it harder to directly compare to those platforms. While its slot count and game variety fall short compared to major US sweepstakes casinos, its complex VIP system and blockchain features do offer a distinctive experience.
The lack of a no-deposit bonus definitely puts it behind in terms of accessibility, as many other top sweepstakes casinos provide immediate rewards upon sign-up. However, the complexity of Runestake’s VIP system could appeal to players who enjoy a more involved gaming experience, even if it’s not as straightforward as the one at Vegas Gems.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of preference: for players looking for simplicity, traditional sweepstakes casinos may have the edge, but those interested in blockchain-based RPG elements and unique systems like chest openings could find Runestake intriguing.
Our Experts Verdict
It sounds like Runestake has some interesting potential, especially with its unique blend of blockchain and RPG elements, but it’s still falling short in key areas that make traditional sweepstakes casinos shine. The lack of bonuses, responsible gaming tools, gaming variety, and easy payment options are all significant drawbacks.
For those seeking a smoother and more feature-rich experience, it’s clear that established sweepstakes casinos offer a better all-around package. While Runestake might improve in the future, it currently isn’t the best choice for players looking for immersive, hassle-free gaming adventures. For now, sticking with top-rated sweepstakes sites seems like the smarter option.
FAQs
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Author: Tom Picus
Updated: