A new legal dispute in the USA has placed two of the internet’s most recognizable figures at the center of a heated debate over influencer-driven gambling promotion. Music superstar Drake and popular streamer Adin Ross are named in a newly filed class-action lawsuit that accuses them of helping direct consumers toward real-money gambling through the sweepstakes-style casino platform Stake.us.
The Two Celebrities Routinely Promoted the Platform
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Virginia by two state residents, alleges that the influencers leveraged their online presence to promote Stake.us in ways that far exceeded casual endorsement. The lawsuit contends that Drake and Ross, along with an associate based in Australia, collaborated with the platform to draw users into wagering with real financial consequences.
This dispute revolves around Stake.us’s dual-currency system. Players can purchase virtual “Gold Coins” for games marketed as recreational. However, each transaction also includes “Stake Cash,” a second digital token that can be wagered and later exchanged for real money. Plaintiffs argue that this structure disguises gambling as sweepstakes, allowing the platform to operate in states where online casinos are otherwise prohibited.
According to the lawsuit, Drake and Ross repeatedly showcased Stake.us during livestreams and social media posts, featuring high-stakes betting, giveaways, and dramatic wins that encouraged viewers to sign up and play. Plaintiffs claim that these advertisements created a false perception of reduced risk, while downplaying the potential for financial loss and addiction.
Sweepstakes Remain Highly Controversial in the USA
This newest case stands out due to its scope. Beyond consumer protection claims, the lawsuit alleges racketeering activity under the federal RICO statute. The complaint argues that Stake’s internal tipping feature served as an informal money-transfer mechanism, allowing funds to move between accounts without traditional financial oversight. Those funds were allegedly routed into broader schemes unrelated to gambling, including online promotion campaigns.
Drake, in particular, faces accusations of using proceeds linked to Stake activity to bankroll artificial streaming operations, including bot-driven plays and coordinated social media amplification, to boost his music across major platforms. Ross is described as a key promotional partner. His livestreams regularly featured Stake-branded content, reinforcing the platform’s visibility among younger audiences who could transition from watching to wagering.
The lawsuit seeks to represent Virginia residents who lost money on Stake.us in the last three years. It requests the court to award damages, impose penalties under consumer protection laws, and halt what it describes as ongoing unlawful activity. Similar lawsuits against Stake have previously emerged in other states, reflecting growing concern among regulators and lawmakers about sweepstakes casinos and influencer marketing.