Gas, in plain terms
Every Ethereum transaction pays gas, a fee to the network for processing it. Gas goes to the network, not to Stake. It rises when the network is busy and falls when it's quiet. Like Bitcoin fees, it doesn't scale with the amount you send, so it can take a large bite out of a small deposit.
Wallets estimate gas for you. If a wallet shows an unusually high fee, waiting for a quieter time can help.
ETH and tokens
The Ethereum network carries ETH and many tokens built on it, known as ERC-20 tokens. Several coins Stake lists are ERC-20 tokens, such as USDT, USDC, DAI, LINK, SHIB, UNI, APE and SAND. Some of them also run on other networks, and each coin has its own option in the cashier. Choose the exact coin, then the network Stake shows for it.
ETH or a token on Ethereum
| You're sending | Choose in the cashier | Gas paid in |
|---|---|---|
| ETH | Ethereum | ETH |
| USDT on ERC-20 | USDT, then ERC-20 | ETH |
| Another ERC-20 token Stake lists | That token, then its network | ETH |
Token transfers on Ethereum still need a little ETH in your wallet to pay the gas. If your wallet holds only the token, the transfer won't go.
The network rule
Many coins exist on more than one network. USDT, for example, runs on ERC-20, BEP-20, Polygon, TRC-20 and Solana, and Stake accepts all five. Stake doesn't support Arbitrum, Optimism or Base for USDT. Coins sent on a network Stake doesn't support for that address aren't credited. Our USDT page goes deeper.
The same caution applies to ETH. Layer 2 networks and sidechains use addresses that look identical to Ethereum addresses. Only send on a network Stake lists for that coin in the cashier.
A safe first Ethereum deposit
- Verify your email and account on Stake, and set a deposit limit.
- In the cashier, choose ETH or the token you're sending.
- Choose the network Stake shows and copy the address.
- In your wallet, select the same network. Check it twice.
- Make sure you hold enough ETH for gas.
- Send a small test, wait for it to arrive, then send the rest.
Confirmations and timing
Ethereum blocks come every few seconds, so confirmations are faster than Bitcoin's. Stake still waits for a set number before crediting. Check the cashier or help center for it. Busy periods can slow things if your gas is set low.
Withdrawing ETH
Choose ETH in the withdrawal cashier, paste your own Ethereum address, read the fee and minimum shown, and confirm with 2FA. Make sure your receiving wallet supports the network you choose. See how to withdraw.
Common mistakes
Mistake and what happens
| Mistake | What happens |
|---|---|
| Sending on a layer 2 Stake doesn't list | Not credited |
| No ETH left for gas | Token transfer fails in your wallet |
| Choosing ETH in the cashier but sending a token | Not credited |
| Sending from an exchange that blocks gambling transfers | Exchange refuses or flags it |
| Setting gas too low when in a hurry | Long wait |
When to pick something else
If gas is high and your deposit is small, a cheaper route may make more sense, for example Litecoin or USDT on a lower-fee network. Our payments hub compares the options.
Exchanges and smart contract wallets
Some exchanges don't allow transfers to gambling sites, so check their terms. Smart contract wallets can behave differently from ordinary ones when receiving funds. If you use one, check with Stake's support that withdrawals to it work before you rely on it.
Prices move
If your balance is in ETH, its value moves with the ETH price. Our crypto guide explains balances and display currencies.
A worked gas example
Invented numbers, to show why gas matters for small deposits. Say a transfer's gas works out at the equivalent of 5. On a deposit of 500, that's 1% of the amount. On a deposit of 20, it's a quarter of it. The fee didn't change; the deposit did. If you plan small, frequent deposits, a low-fee network will usually serve you better than Ethereum mainnet.
ETH or a stablecoin?
ETH's price moves. If you want a balance that holds its value while you play, use USDT or USDC instead, on whichever supported network costs least on the day.
A note on dates
Checked against Stake's help center on 13 October 2026. Supported networks and minimums can change, so the cashier has the final word on where to send. You must be 18+, or the higher legal age where you live, to deposit. Stake.com isn't available in the US, the UK, Australia, Ontario or the other places on Stake's prohibited list, and that list can change. Set a deposit limit before your first transfer.
FAQ
Can I deposit from a layer 2 like Arbitrum or Base?
Only use networks Stake lists in the cashier. For USDT, Stake says Arbitrum, Optimism and Base aren't supported.
What if I used the wrong network?
Contact support quickly with the transaction ID. Stake says wrong-network coins aren't credited.
Are gas fees refunded?
No. Gas goes to the network.
Why did my token transfer fail?
Usually because there wasn't enough ETH in the wallet to pay gas.
Is Ethereum faster than Bitcoin?
Its blocks come more often, so confirmations are usually quicker.