Stake Debuts Animated Live Hosts with Animo Studios

The online casino space has seen its fair share of updates, but few feel as different as what’s happening now on Stake. A fresh partnership with Animo Studios introduces live-action animated hosts, and the concept is already catching attention across iGaming circles.

Good to Know

• Stake is the first operator to host Animo’s animated live dealers.
• Characters interact with players in real time and with physical objects.
• Expansion into live game shows is already on Animo’s roadmap.

The idea comes from Harley Fresh, better known as “Fresh,” a Fortnite champion and livestreamer with nearly eight million YouTube followers. His company, Animo Studios, has built software and hardware that allow real people to transform into animated hosts who carry unique names, backstories, and personalities. Instead of a traditional live dealer, players are greeted by characters that feel alive and conversational.

How the Technology Works

Behind the curtain, a mix of motion capture, live broadcasting tools, and machine learning powers the experience. The result is a host who can respond instantly while staying in character, whether the player is rolling dice at a live table or watching a new type of game show unfold. The technology was designed to scale beyond simple casino tables, with ambitions to create entire entertainment formats.

Animo CEO Harley Fresh, said:

“Animo is set to reshape table games, game shows, and beyond, reimagining how we play, connect, and engage online. The live entertainment space has stagnated for too long, and we see enormous potential to bridge the gap between gaming and iGaming.”

Why Stake Went First

Stake, powered by Melbourne-based Easygo, secured the exclusive first launch of these animated hosts. The rollout began September 8, giving players early access to the characters before other operators. According to Brais Pena, Chief Strategy Officer at Easygo, the fit was natural.

“Animo’s innovative use of software and hardware pushes the entertainment experience to the next level,” said Pena. “It’s exactly the type of project we want to support.”

For Stake, the partnership isn’t just about novelty. Animated hosts could bring back players who drifted away from live tables while also attracting younger audiences who are more familiar with avatars, influencers, and interactive gaming streams.

Will Others Follow?

The bigger play involves celebrities and influencers. Animo’s platform allows public figures to create IP-driven characters that could host game shows or casino formats, giving them a new way to connect with fans. With veterans from Netflix, Warner Bros, and Universal Studios involved, the ambition clearly stretches beyond the casino floor.

Real-time interaction is the centerpiece. Players talk directly with hosts who move, gesture, and handle objects inside immersive backdrops. That level of engagement builds trust, something live online casinos have long chased but rarely nailed.

As of now, Animo characters are only live on Stake, but partnerships with other global operators are already lined up. If the concept catches on, animated live dealers could soon be as common as traditional ones, reshaping what players expect from live casino entertainment.

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