Is stale mate always a draw?

please check this game out

http://www.redhotpawn.com/core/playchess.php?gameid=41219

and tell me whether it is supposed to be a draw or whether casper has
won. It has always been my understanding of chess that if it is stale
mate then it is a draw yet my only option now is to retire as a draw
offer has been rejected!!!!

Thx

You are right, this is a draw. I will look into why the system as not
recognised it as such as soon as possible.

Thanks,
Chris

can I poiltely stick my fingers up at my opponent and laugh
histerically because he was so sure he was going to beat me? 🙂

I have to disappoint you. That game was not finished because of the
en passant rule
(http://www.redhotpawn.com/static/rules/enpassant.php).

Your opponent moved P h7-h5
So there was one possible move for you: P g5xh6.
RHP was right to continue the game.
I guess you both haven't been aware of that rule.