VoltThe short version. Each submission covers one front-end version and one math version. Three reviewers each rate the game from 0 to 3 stars; it needs at least 6 of 9 points to be published. Only 3-star games are featured in New Releases and Slots. After approval you can only make minor visual fixes, so treat the submission as final.
Before you can submit
Studio blocks the submit button until:
- a 3:4 tile is set as the cover and a 16:9 cover image is in the media library;
- a front-end version and a math version are published;
- the math passes every critical test and at least one bet level fits (see the requirements);
- you're within the open-review limit: one submission at a time until your first game is live, five after that.
Engine's docs say review can be "as quick as a couple of hours", but an incomplete submission can wait weeks: the queue is shared, and incomplete ones can be deprioritised.
How a game is scored
Technical support checks functionality, clarity, communication and technical performance, and approval is at the reviewers' discretion. Three reviewers each rate the game from 0 to 3 stars, in steps of a third of a star, and nobody sees the ratings until all three are in.
| Result | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6 or more of 9 points | Published |
| Below 6 | Not published; the thread locks for 3 days, then you can resubmit |
| 3-star games | Featured in New Releases, Slots and Burst Games |
| 2-star games | Published, but not featured |
New Releases are ordered by the team's Engine Insights rank over the previous 30 days, rearranged each Friday (Australian time).
Why games score low
The reasons Engine's docs name most:
- Shallow gameplay, or a missing bonus feature.
- "Over-reliance on generic AI-generated assets", and art that isn't consistent across the game.
- Front-end rule misses: hard-coded bet levels or RGS address, external fonts, social-mode wording slips ("Bet" in autoplay menus, "Buy" on a bonus button).
- No win-cap round to replay, or replay that doesn't work in the small popout.
- A large bundle: an optimised bundle size is part of the 3-star criteria.
Running Engine's AI review prompt against your project first catches many of these. It isn't an approval, but it's a cheap check.
What you can change after approval
Very little. "Only minor updates to address visual issues are permitted." Changes to the math model, new game modes and changes to gameplay mechanics aren't allowed, and the distribution you chose (only on Stake, or also on Engine's network) is fixed at launch. Get the math and the feature set right before you submit.
After launch: getting players
Engine documents a few ways to promote a game: followers who get an email at launch (Engine cites around a 30% open rate), Stake Challenges arranged through a support ticket, streamers, and paid promotion through promoteonstake.com.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stake Engine approval take?
It can be as quick as a couple of hours, according to Engine's docs, but incomplete submissions can take weeks because the review queue is shared.
Why was my Stake Engine game rejected?
Usually a score under 6 of 9 stars: shallow gameplay, generic AI-generated or inconsistent art, a missing bonus feature, or front-end and replay rule misses. You can resubmit after a 3-day lock.
Can I update my game after it's approved?
Only to fix visual issues. Math changes, new modes and gameplay changes aren't allowed after approval.
What does a 3-star rating get you on Stake?
3-star games are featured in New Releases, Slots and Burst Games. 2-star games are published but not featured.
Sources: Engine docs (approval guidelines, submission checklist, game quality rankings, AI review, distribution, promote). Checked October 22, 2026.