Drake and Adin Ross Face Lawsuit Over Alleged Promotion of Illegal Gambling
Introduction to the Legal Dispute
A recent legal case in the United States has thrust two prominent online personalities, music icon Drake and streamer Adin Ross, into the spotlight over accusations of promoting illegal gambling. They are both defendants in a class-action lawsuit alleging their involvement in directing audiences to participate in real-money betting via the sweepstakes-style casino website Stake.us.
Details of the Allegations Against the Influencers
The federal lawsuit, lodged in Virginia by two residents, claims that Drake and Ross went beyond simple endorsements and actively collaborated with Stake.us to entice users into placing wagers with real financial stakes. This partnership allegedly included an associate based in Australia.
The controversy centers on Stake.us’s unique dual-currency model. Users buy virtual “Gold Coins” intended for recreational gaming, but each purchase also grants “Stake Cash,” a currency that can be wagered and cashed out for actual money. Critics argue this setup masks true gambling as mere sweepstakes, enabling the platform to operate in regions where online gambling is restricted.
The lawsuit highlights that both influencers frequently displayed the Stake.us brand in their streams and social media, showcasing high-risk bets, giveaways, and big wins. These promotions are said to have encouraged viewers to join and play, potentially misleading them about the risks involved and minimizing the chances of financial loss and addiction.
The Controversy Surrounding Sweepstakes Gambling in the U.S.
This case is notable for its broad scope. Apart from consumer protection issues, it accuses the parties of engaging in racketeering activities under the federal RICO laws. Allegedly, Stake.us’s tipping system acted as an unofficial money transfer operation, facilitating fund movement without proper financial regulation. These funds were purportedly diverted into larger schemes beyond gambling, such as online marketing campaigns.
Drake is further accused of using money linked to Stake.us to finance artificial streaming efforts, including bot-generated plays and coordinated social media boosts, to promote his music. Meanwhile, Ross is described as a major promotional collaborator whose live streams featured Stake.us content, thereby increasing the platform’s exposure especially among younger viewers who might transition from watching to betting.
The lawsuit aims to represent Virginia residents who have suffered losses on Stake.us over the past three years. It seeks monetary damages, penalties under consumer laws, and injunctions to stop the alleged illegal activities. Similar legal actions have been filed against Stake.us in other states, underscoring rising regulatory and legislative concern regarding sweepstakes casinos and influencer endorsements.
