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title: Cardano Stake Pools
slug: cardano-stake-pools
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-11-12T01:17:38.090Z
---

Cardano is a decentralized Blockchain that offers rewards to delegates and stake pool operators in return for helping to keep the blockchain decentralized.

ADA held on the Cardano network represents a stake in the network, with the size of the stake proportional to the amount of ADA held. The ability to delegate or pledge a stake is fundamental to how Cardano works.​​

### What is Staking?​

The amount of stake delegated to a given stake pool is the primary way the Ouroboros protocol chooses who should add the next block to the blockchain, and receive a monetary reward for doing so.​

The more stake that is delegated to a stake pool, the more likely it is to make the next block – and the rewards that it earns are shared between everyone who delegated their stake to that stake pool.​

### What is a Stake Pool?

Stake pools are run by a reliable operator: an individual or business, with the knowledge and resources to run the node on a consistent basis. ADA holders can delegate to public stake pools if they wish to participate in the protocol and receive rewards, but do not wish to operate a Cardano network node themselves.​

The more stake that is delegated to a stake pool, the greater chance it has of being selected as a slot leader. Each time it is selected and produces a block that is accepted onto the blockchain, it is rewarded, and these rewards are shared between the stake pool operator and stake pool delegators.​

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COPI Stake Pool
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