Stake Bonus Code Canada: What Works at Sign-Up
By StakeReferralCode.ca Editorial Team · Updated
If you're looking for a Stake bonus code in Canada and you haven't opened an account yet, the code that matters is the one you type during registration: SHIMA. It goes in the "Code (Optional)" field and links your account to a 200% deposit bonus on a qualifying deposit plus 3.5% rakeback on eligible bets. Everything else people call a "bonus code" (drops, reloads, VIP rewards) comes later, from Stake, once you're already a member.
Residents of Ontario and Alberta can't use this offer. More on eligibility below.
What people mean by "bonus code"
"Bonus code" is a catch-all phrase. Depending on who's using it, it can mean any of these:
- The sign-up code. Entered once on the registration form. This is the only code that shapes your welcome offer.
- A bonus drop. A short-lived code that Stake publishes on its own channels for existing players.
- A reload. A recurring bonus that Stake offers to certain VIP levels. Usually there's no code to type at all; it shows up in your account.
- A VIP or level-up reward. Unlocked by reaching a wagering milestone, not by finding a code.
A "bonus code" in an old forum thread is most likely an expired drop, not something that helps at registration.
At sign-up: the code that counts
When you create a Stake.com account, the form has one optional code box. That's where SHIMA goes. It works like a referral code: it records which partner sent you and attaches the matching offer.
| What you get with SHIMA | Where the details live |
|---|---|
| 200% deposit bonus on a qualifying deposit | Stake's bonus screen (maximum bonus, minimum deposit, wagering, eligible games) |
| 3.5% rakeback on eligible bets | Your account's rakeback section once you're playing |
We don't quote a maximum bonus, a minimum deposit or a wagering multiple, because Stake sets those and can change them. The bonus screen is the source of truth.
Two rules make the sign-up step important:
- The code must be added at registration. It usually can't be attached after the account exists.
- One account per person. Opening a second account to get a code you missed is a breach of Stake's rules, and duplicate accounts are banned.
The quickest route is the Claim button on this page, which opens the sign-up form. Then type SHIMA into "Code (Optional)". For a full step-by-step, see how to use the Stake referral code, and for how the welcome offer works in detail, read our Stake 200% bonus guide.
After sign-up: drops, reloads and VIP bonuses
Once your account is open, more bonus opportunities may appear over time. These come from Stake directly.
Bonus drops
Stake posts drop codes on its official social channels, forum and newsletters. They're time-limited and come with conditions that Stake sets for each one. You redeem them in your account's offers or redeem area. Only trust codes you can trace back to Stake itself.
Rakeback
The 3.5% rakeback linked to SHIMA keeps working as you play eligible games. It's a return on volume, not a prize. It doesn't change the odds of any game.
VIP rewards and reloads
Stake's VIP ranks are based on total wagered, with reported thresholds starting at Bronze ($10k) and rising through Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Obsidian. Reported rewards include weekly, monthly and level-up bonuses, with reloads from Platinum. Thresholds may change, and they're large sums, so never chase a rank.
Checklist before you claim any bonus
Whether it's the welcome offer or a later drop, run through these questions first.
- Have I read the full terms? Open the bonus screen or promotion details and read them before depositing or redeeming.
- What's the wagering requirement? This is how much you need to bet before bonus funds (or winnings from them) can be withdrawn. Note the exact figure Stake shows.
- Which games count, and by how much? Some games may contribute fully to wagering, some partly, some not at all. Check the list.
- Is there a maximum bet while the bonus is active? Breaking a bet cap can void a bonus under some terms. Look for it.
- When does it expire? Bonuses often have a deadline to claim and a deadline to finish wagering.
- What counts as a qualifying deposit? Check the minimum and any payment methods that are excluded.
- Can I withdraw before finishing wagering, and what happens if I do? Know whether a withdrawal cancels the bonus.
- Is my province eligible? Not Ontario, not Alberta. Check Stake's terms for the latest.
- Does this fit my budget? Only deposit what you'd be fine losing. A bonus is not a reason to deposit more.
If any of these answers is unclear, ask Stake's support before you claim, or skip the offer.
Red flags: bonus claims to ignore
The "bonus code" keyword attracts plenty of misleading pages. Watch for these warning signs.
- "No wagering" promises on a Stake bonus. If a third-party site claims a Stake bonus has no wagering requirement, it's guessing or misleading you. The real terms are on Stake's bonus screen, not on a stranger's blog.
- "Guaranteed" bonuses or wins. No legitimate site can guarantee a bonus amount or a profit. Gambling outcomes are uncertain by design.
- Exact numbers that don't match the bonus screen. If a page lists a maximum bonus or wagering multiple that differs from what Stake shows you, trust Stake.
- Requests for your login or two-factor code. Nobody needs your password to "apply" a bonus.
- Requests to send crypto to "unlock" a code. Bonuses are claimed inside your own account. Paying a third party is a scam.
- "Use a VPN to get the bonus." Advice to sign up from Ontario or Alberta through a VPN breaches Stake's terms and can get accounts and funds frozen.
Who can use this bonus code
Ontario: not available. Stake.com's terms list Ontario as prohibited, and VPN workarounds are a breach. Ontario's market is regulated by the AGCO and iGaming Ontario, and there's no licensed Stake site there yet.
Alberta: not available. Alberta's regulated market opened in July 2026, and unlicensed operators had to leave. Stake Canada has AGLC registration for a separate Alberta-licensed site. Code SHIMA and this offer don't apply to Albertans, and we don't promote this bonus to Alberta residents.
Other provinces and territories: Stake.com accepts players in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces and the three territories. It's licensed in Curaçao, not provincially, which makes it a legal grey area: players generally aren't prosecuted, but there's no provincial regulator protection. You need to be 19+ in most of these regions, or 18+ in Manitoba and Quebec. Check the details in is Stake legal in Canada.
FAQ
What is the best Stake bonus code for Canada at sign-up?
At registration, the code that counts is the one in the "Code (Optional)" field. With SHIMA, your account is linked to a 200% deposit bonus on a qualifying deposit and 3.5% rakeback on eligible bets.
Is a bonus code the same as a referral code on Stake?
At sign-up, yes, it's the same field. After sign-up, "bonus code" usually means a time-limited drop published by Stake, which is redeemed in your account.
What wagering requirement applies to the Stake bonus?
Stake sets it and shows it on the bonus screen. Check there before depositing; don't rely on figures quoted elsewhere.
Can I get a Stake bonus with no wagering?
Be sceptical of any site promising that. Read the actual terms on Stake's bonus screen or promotion details.
Can I add a bonus code after I've registered?
The sign-up code usually can't be added afterwards. Drop codes, on the other hand, are designed to be redeemed by existing players.
Conclusion
At sign-up, there's only one bonus code to worry about, and it goes into the registration form. Enter SHIMA, read the bonus screen carefully, and treat later drops and VIP rewards as optional extras rather than reasons to bet more. If you live in an eligible province, use the Claim button on this page to get started.
Related Guides
- Ready to sign up? Start with the Stake.com sign-up code for Canada.
- Stake Affiliate Code Canada: SHIMA Explained
- Stake Welcome Bonus Canada: 200% Deposit Bonus
- Stake Rakeback Explained: How 3.5% Comes Back
- All Stake guides for Canada
Play responsibly
Use Stake's deposit limits, loss and wager limits, cooling-off and self-exclusion tools to stay in control. If you're worried about your gambling, free and confidential help is available, for example Newfoundland and Labrador 1-888-899-4357 or New Brunswick 1-800-461-1234. Visit our responsible gambling page for helplines in every province and territory.
19+ (18+ in AB, MB, QC). Not available in Ontario or Alberta. Gambling can be addictive – play responsibly.