Stake Poker is in a strong position to grow, especially in states like Florida where its sweepstakes model gives it a legal and competitive edge. With fewer poker options available, Stake has a real chance to dominate the market.
But recent changes are holding it back. The removal of standard 6 max and 9 max tables is a major issue. These are the most popular formats in online poker, and replacing them with 5 and 8 player tables has led to slow, half-empty games. Right now, 5 player tables are practically unplayable, and 8 player ones often sit half full.
On top of that, the new table selection system has frustrated players. You can’t choose your table or join a waiting list anymore, you just get dropped into random, short-handed games. Many users are spending more time switching tables than actually playing. That said, it's worth noting that Stake has done an excellent job improving its tournament offerings. The structure, variety, and value have all taken a big step forward. If the platform takes the same player-first approach with its cash games it could truly stand out in the market.
Stake has the opportunity to lead in a market with little competition. But to do that, it needs to bring back 6 max and 9 max tables and restore manual table selection. The demand is there. Now it’s just a matter of listening to the players.
