How Did Ed Craven’s Net Worth Reach $2.8 Billion?

Wow, just think about this for a second: becoming a self-made billionaire before you even hit 30. Sounds like a movie plot, right? But it’s the real story behind Ed Craven’s net worth, which Forbes pinned at an incredible $2.8 billion in 2025! How on earth did a young guy from Australia, starting out messing around with online games, build such a massive fortune so incredibly fast?

Seriously, it’s one wild ride. We’re going to get right into it – no fluff. We’ll look at the smart plays, the gutsy moves, and the sheer vision that took Ed Craven from RuneScape hangouts to launching Stake.com, the absolute giant in crypto casinos, and then creating Kick.com to challenge the streaming world.

Forget boring business talk. We’re talking about navigating early hiccups, being one of the first to bet big on crypto gambling, landing deals with superstars like Drake, and plastering his brand over F1 cars. It’s a masterclass in spotting trends, building buzz, and playing the game differently. Exciting! Is’nt it? Get prepared to explore the mindset, the milestones, and the magic behind one of the digital age’s most fascinating success stories. Ready to see how it all happened? You won’t want to miss this!

Let’s Explore Ed Craven’s Net Worth Journey

1. Ed Craven’s Early Life and Family Background

Ed Craven entered the world in 1996, right as the internet and online gaming were starting to boom in Australia. Life wasn’t always straightforward. His father, Jamie Craven, had a complicated past in the Australian financial world. He’d worked with Spedley Securities, but things took a turn, leading to legal issues. In the 1980s, Jamie faced a five-year ban from the financial services industry and even spent six months in jail related to the collapse of Spedley Securities.

You might think that’s a tough start, and it probably was. But perhaps seeing the ups and downs of the financial world firsthand gave young Ed a unique perspective on risk and business later on. Even as a kid, he showed flashes of that entrepreneurial spirit. Get this: he actually helped his parents buy a Jamaica Blue cafe franchise in Coffs Harbour! It’s a small detail, but it shows those business instincts were there early, long before the big digital ventures kicked off. This early experience likely laid some important groundwork for what was to come.

2. The $2.8 Billion Recipe: Putting It All Together

3. The RuneScape Origins: Ed Craven’s First Steps into Entrepreneurship

Ed’s real entrepreneurial fire ignited when he met Bijan Tehrani online. They were just teenagers, hanging out in the virtual world of RuneScape, a massively popular online multiplayer game. What did they cook up? Something pretty clever (and maybe a bit cheeky!): a system for players to gamble using their in-game stuff.

Imagine players betting their hard-earned virtual gold coins on fights within the game. They essentially created their own mini-gambling scene inside RuneScape! It got popular, really popular. Of course, this didn’t exactly thrill the game’s creators, especially since it brought gambling into a game played by minors. Controversy followed.

But think about the experience they gained! This RuneScape venture, even with the controversy, was their first real taste of running an online business together. They learned about virtual money, how to keep users hooked on gambling-like activities, and how to build a platform. These were invaluable lessons that would shape everything they did next. It was like a practice run for the big leagues.

4. Rolling the Dice with Bitcoin: Primedice Takes Off

Okay, fast forward to 2013. Bitcoin was still pretty new, trading around just $100. Can you believe it? While many were still figuring it out, Ed and Bijan saw an opportunity. They created Primedice.

It was simple, almost primitive: a game where you could bet Bitcoin on the roll of a virtual die. But simple worked! It took off, generating enough profit that these teenagers could make it their full-time gig. That’s impressive, right? Primedice wasn’t just pocket money; it was a serious income stream. According to its spokesperson, the site has racked up over 5 billion individual bets since it started in May 2013. Billions! On a simple dice game!

Primedice was more than just a successful game; it was a crucial learning phase. Ed got hands-on experience with crypto operations, figured out what online gamblers wanted, and learned how to build the tech infrastructure needed. It proved that crypto gambling could work as a business and gave them the cash and confidence to dream bigger.

5. Building the Engine: Easygo Powers Up

With the success of Primedice fueling their ambition, Ed and Bijan took the next big step in 2016. They founded Easygo and opened an office in Melbourne, starting with a team of 18 people.

What was Easygo’s mission? To be a game development powerhouse, crafting cool, engaging experiences specifically for online casinos. And they nailed it. The company grew rapidly, quickly earning a reputation in Australia as one of the fastest-growing businesses, known for its fresh ideas in gaming.

Think of Easygo as the foundation, the engine room. It provided the structure, the team, and the tech expertise they needed for their ultimate goal. They weren’t just buying games off the shelf; they were building their own proprietary games and technology. This strategic move was all about getting ready to launch something much, much bigger into the online gambling world. They were building the launchpad.

6. Stake.com: Ed Craven Creating a Crypto Gambling Empire

Then came 2017. Using the tech and team built through Easygo, Ed Craven and Bijan Tehrani launched Stake.com. This was it. The venture would become the cornerstone of Ed’s immense fortune.

Stake.com was set up as a cryptocurrency casino, operated by a company called Medium Rare N.V. They made a strategic choice to get their license from Curacao. Why? Because Curacao’s regulations were quite favourable for crypto gambling operations at the time. Smart move.

The whole idea behind Stake was crypto, crypto, crypto. You could play everything – sports betting, slots, classic casino games like roulette – all using digital currencies. This wasn’t just a gimmick; it offered real advantages that players loved:

• Speed: Transactions were way faster than waiting for traditional banks.

• Cost: Fewer middlemen meant lower transaction costs.

• Privacy: Many users liked the feeling of anonymity that came with crypto.

These perks quickly drew in a crowd, from crypto veterans to gamblers just looking for a better online casino experience. Stake.com was born.

7. Rocket Fuel Growth: Stake.com’s Numbers Go Wild

The growth that followed was, frankly, astronomical. Hold onto your hat for these numbers:

• In 2020, Stake.com’s revenue was around USD $105 million. Pretty good, right?

• Just two years later, in 2022, that number exploded to USD $2.6 billion!

Yes, you read that right. From $105 million to $2.6 billion in two years. That’s the kind of exponential growth most businesses only dream of. And it didn’t stop there. Reports suggest Stake.com generated a whopping $4.7 billion in recent years overall. It wasn’t just a player in the crypto gambling space; it was becoming the dominant force.

What was the secret sauce? People loved the easy-to-use site, the huge variety of games, and the constant stream of new features. Plus, Stake focused heavily on keeping players loyal and operated with relatively low profit margins, making it tough for competitors. By 2022, the platform had handled tens of billions of dollars’ worth of bets since it launched. The scale is just immense.

8. Ed Craven’s Strategic Marketing and High-Profile Partnerships

You don’t get that big without making some serious noise. Stake’s marketing strategy has been bold and very visible. They’ve poured money into high-profile sponsorships and partnerships.

The biggest one? A massive collaboration with Canadian hip-hop megastar Drake. How massive? Estimates put it at around $100 million per year! Drake has even streamed himself playing roulette live on Stake for his fans. Talk about putting your platform on the map! That kind of exposure brought Stake into the mainstream like never before.

But they didn’t stop there. They dove deep into the world of sports:

• Everton FC (July 2022): Became the main partner and shirt sponsor for the Premier League team. This wasn’t just any deal; it was reported as the biggest sponsorship deal in the club’s 144-year history! Wow.

• Watford FC: Signed a sponsorship deal worth a reported £5 million a year.

• Formula 1: Announced a multi-year partnership with the Alfa Romeo F1 team (now known as the Stake F1 Team). Talk about global visibility!

• UFC: They’re also involved with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

This strategy wasn’t just about slapping a logo on things. It was about associating the Stake brand with major sports and entertainment figures, reaching millions of potential users worldwide. It’s been a key part of their incredible growth story.

9. Ed Craven’s Controversies and Legal Challenges

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, though. Success at this level often attracts scrutiny and challenges.

• The Lawsuit (2022): Stake got hit with a massive $400 million lawsuit from a former associate. That definitely created some serious legal headaches.

• UK License Issues (2025): More recently, in 2025, Stake announced it would be giving up its gambling license in Great Britain. This came after the Gambling Commission reviewed the online casino’s operations. This is a big deal, as the UK is a major regulated market.

• Market Restrictions: Stake can’t operate everywhere. Notably, players in most parts of the United States can’t access the main platform. While UK players could use Stake.uk.com (which only used regular money, not crypto), that’s shutting down by March 11, 2025, due to the regulatory changes.

• Other Concerns: The platform has also faced accusations about targeting players in restricted areas and questions about whether its player protection measures are strong enough.

These issues highlight just how tricky the online gambling world can be, especially when you mix in cryptocurrency. Navigating the complex web of global regulations is a constant challenge.

10. Ed Craven’s Diversification: Kick.com Enters the Streaming Market

Ed Craven isn’t just about Stake. In 2022, he co-founded another platform: Kick.com. This was a bold move into the highly competitive world of live streaming, aiming to take on the giant, Amazon-owned Twitch.

Kick launched on October 18, 2022. The timing was interesting. It came just as Twitch was tightening its rules around gambling content, which had impacted many streamers who used to showcase Stake.com gameplay. Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not. But it certainly created an opportunity for Kick and a synergy between Ed’s ventures.

What makes Kick different? Its headline feature is a revolutionary 95/5 revenue split for creators. Streamers get to keep 95% of their subscription revenue, while Kick takes only 5%. Compare that to Twitch’s typical 50/50 or maybe 70/30 split. You can see why creators might be tempted! Ed has said this comes from a belief that subscriptions are like donations from the community, and the platform shouldn’t take a huge cut. Pretty creator-friendly, right?

11. Kick and Stake: Connected but Separate?

So, what’s the deal between Kick and Stake? They share shareholders, including Ed Craven himself, that’s clear. But Ed has consistently stated that Kick is run as a separate business with its own focus.

Still, there have been questions, especially about gambling ads popping up on Kick. Ed has addressed this, promising not to flood Kick with annoying Stake promotions. It’s a relationship that’s watched closely, especially given the potential for promoting gambling content on a streaming platform.

It’s also worth noting that, as of 2025, Kick isn’t actually profitable yet. Ed acknowledged this in a Forbes interview. Like any new player trying to break into a tough market dominated by giants, Kick knows it needs to invest heavily upfront. They’re playing the long game, aiming for future profitability through advertising and other means while sticking to that attractive 95/5 split for creators.

12. Kick’s Content Moderation Challenges

Kick has definitely stirred the pot, and not just with its revenue model. It’s faced criticism over its approach to content moderation.

For a while, Kick seemed to take a very hands-off, ‘laissez-faire’ approach. This attracted some controversial streamers who had been kicked off other platforms. Naturally, this led to concerns about hate speech and other harmful content finding a home on Kick. Critics argued that loose rules could damage the platform’s reputation and scare users away.

In response, Kick says it has invested in moderation tools and is tackling content policy more seriously now. They state they don’t tolerate hate speech and use both human moderators (around the clock, 24/7) and AI tools. Ed Craven himself has even jumped into the debate, inviting critics onto his own Kick channel to discuss the issues. However, incidents still pop up, showing the ongoing difficulty of balancing free expression with keeping the platform safe and responsible. It’s a tough tightrope to walk.

13. Counting the Billions: Ed Craven’s Wealth Today

Let’s circle back to that incredible net worth. As we mentioned, Forbes put Ed Craven at $2.8 billion in their 2025 global billionaires list, ranking him at #1305. That fortune is primarily tied to his ownership stake in the incredibly successful Stake.com.

Think about this: At just 29, he’s one of only two self-made billionaires on Forbes’ list of the youngest billionaires in 2025. That’s exceptionally rare. His Forbes profile clearly notes his Australian citizenship and that his wealth comes from ‘online casino’ – no ambiguity there. Back home, the Australian Financial Review has also consistently recognized him as one of Australia’s richest people under 40, cementing his status down under.

14. Ed Craven’s Real Estate Portfolio: Trophy Properties

When you have billions, you tend to invest some of it in tangible assets. For Ed Craven, that includes some seriously high-end real estate, especially in Melbourne’s super-exclusive Toorak suburb.

• March 2022: He made his first big splash, buying a Toorak mansion from developer Will Deague for $38.5 million.

• Later in 2022: He didn’t just break a record; he smashed it. He bought another Toorak property for over a jaw-dropping $80 million, setting a new benchmark for Melbourne’s most expensive home ever!

This second property was known locally as a ‘ghost house’ because it had sat vacant. Ed bought it with big plans. Reports say he’s since demolished the existing structure to build something entirely new. And the latest whispers? Outlandish plans for a potential $150 million mega-mansion on that $80 million site! It seems his appetite for ultra-luxury real estate is only growing.

15. Beyond Real Estate: Ed Craven’s Investments and Lifestyle

While the Toorak mansions grab headlines, Ed’s wealth isn’t just tied up in property, Stake, and Kick. Public details on his other investments are scarce, but his lifestyle certainly reflects his billionaire status, likely including investments in luxury goods and collectibles common among the ultra-wealthy.

Here’s another sign of his business approach: he’s reportedly willing to spend big to get top talent. There have been reports of $100,000 sign-on bonuses being offered to lure skilled engineers away from established tech companies like Canva and Atlassian. That shows a commitment to building strong teams.

And the success has spread. Ed’s father, Jamie, recently made headlines himself by purchasing a stunning trophy beach house for $16 million – paid in cash. The family’s lifestyle has been significantly boosted by Ed’s ventures.

16. Ed Craven’s Achievements and Industry Recognition

It’s not just about the money; Ed’s achievements have earned him serious recognition in the business world.

• AFR Young Rich List (2023): He landed the prestigious #3 spot on the Australian Financial Review’s Young Rich List. At that time (2023), his net worth was estimated even higher by AFR, around £3.11 billion! This highlighted just how much he’d accomplished so quickly.

Industry watchers credit Ed, along with his partner Bijan Tehrani, for genuinely changing the game. They didn’t just build businesses; they rethought how crypto could work with gambling (Stake.com) and how streamers could get paid (Kick.com). Becoming a billionaire by age 27 solidified his reputation as a sharp entrepreneur who knows how to spot and jump on the next big digital wave.

17. What’s Next? Ed Craven’s Vision for Stake and Kick

Ed Craven isn’t resting on his laurels. He has big plans for his platforms.

• Stake.com: He’s talked about 2025 being the start of a ‘new era’ for Stake, focusing on high performance and a shared vision. Even with regulatory bumps like the UK situation, the goal remains expansion. Ed has stated he wants to bring the Stake experience to as many places as possible, working with regulators to make it happen in properly licensed markets.

• Kick.com: The focus here is growth, growth, growth – in viewers and creators. The numbers already show momentum: Viewership hours reportedly jumped from around 12.5 million early on to over 100 million by October 2023! Despite not being profitable yet, Ed sounds optimistic. He’s been quoted saying the future for Kick is ‘brighter or should I say greener, than it ever has been.’ The ambition is clearly there.

My Opinion

So, what really makes Ed Craven tick differently than other entrepreneurs? It’s not just one magic trick. It’s how he mixes things up. Lots of people get tech, right? But Ed combines that deep digital intuition (you can trace it right back to those RuneScape days!) with seriously bold, almost brash, mainstream marketing – think Drake, think F1. That combo is rare and powerful.

He wasn’t afraid to dive headfirst into the tricky world of crypto gambling when others hesitated. He built Stake around what users wanted. Then, crucially, he didn’t just sit back. He saw another gap – how streamers were getting squeezed – and launched Kick with that game-changing 95/5 split.

Well, it’s this knack for seeing the next connected opportunity and going all-in, even when things are messy or unprofitable at first (like Kick), that sets him apart. He’s building ecosystems, not just companies, fueled by relentless reinvestment and a vision that seems years ahead. That blend of strategic foresight and rapid-fire execution at his age? Truly remarkable.

5 Real-World Lessons from Ed Craven’s Playbook:

• Online Hangouts Can Be Goldmines: Those niche communities you’re part of? They often hold clues to massive untapped needs (like RuneScape sparking gambling ideas).

• Cool Tech + Loud Megaphone = Win: Having a great product (Stake/Kick) is only half the battle; you need attention-grabbing marketing (Drake, sports deals) to truly explode.

• Find Someone Else’s Headache, Be the Cure: Kick’s 95/5 deal directly solved a huge creator frustration with Twitch – that’s how you make an instant impact.

• Don’t Fear the Fringe (But Be Smart): Controversial or complex markets (crypto gambling) hold huge potential but require careful navigation and adaptability.

• Feed the Growth Beast Relentlessly: Pouring cash back into talent, marketing, and new ventures before you’re comfortable is key to building unstoppable momentum.

Seriously, this story is something else, isn’t it? If you found this fascinating, definitely share it with your friends and connections – everyone loves an incredible success story!

Simran Khan