President Donald Trump is promoting the unregulated online casino Stake, according to Casino.org. On May 28, 2026, Trump shared posts on Truth Social, marketing the platform while promoting the upcoming UFC fight at the White House.
What happened
Trump has repeatedly advertised Stake, a controversial sweepstakes casino without licensing in any US state. The promotion primarily centers around the UFC Freedom 250 event scheduled for June 14 on the South Lawn. Critics raise concerns about the legality of such promotions, especially as many states have outlawed dual-currency gaming models.
“Despite the general perception among state officials that sweepstakes casinos constitute illegal gambling, Trump has repeatedly promoted Stake,” the report noted.
Stake operates from Cyprus with a claim to provide a free-to-play social gaming experience, although it uses a secondary token for real money gambling. This has drawn legal scrutiny from state lawmakers and regulators who argue that this model violates established gaming laws.
Why it matters
The promotion of an unregulated casino raises significant legal and ethical questions surrounding online gambling practices in the US. With online casino gambling legal in only eight states, stakeholders worry that unlicensed platforms could undermine state laws and regulations meant to protect consumers.
Furthermore, Trump’s ties to the casino industry and specific individuals tied to Stake could present conflicts of interest, further complicating regulatory responses.
Background
On May 20, 2026, Trump shared additional promotional materials linking Stake to his Truth Social account. This push for Stake coincided with the upcoming UFC event, marking a strategic collaboration between sports entertainment and unregulated gambling.
In recent years, various states have begun implementing laws to counteract sweepstakes casinos, such as those prohibiting dual-currency models, reflecting a growing concern over their legality and impact.
What’s next
The UFC Freedom 250 event on June 14 will likely draw significant attention, both for its entertainment value and the ongoing controversy surrounding the promotion of Stake. Close monitoring of regulatory responses to Trump’s endorsements is expected in the lead-up to this event.
