Stake Accused of Targeting Young Users Through Influencers

Offshore operator Stake faces new legal challenges as a lawsuit filed this month accuses the company of enabling underage gambling through a mix of influencer marketing and digital payment systems. The case, brought in New York by Pensacola law firm Rafferty, Dominick, Cunningham and Yaffa, centers on a young man who claims he began gambling on the platform at just 13 years old.

Underage Gambling Can Have Severe Consequences

The law firm describes a system designed to attract younger users, relying on online personalities who showcase their wins and provide referral links and access instructions for users in restricted areas. According to the plaintiff, he first encountered gambling through livestreams and social media content that depicted high-stakes betting as entertainment rather than risk.

Our client’s adolescence was consumed by an addiction that these defendants engineered and profited from.

Troy A. Rafferty, shareholder at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa

The complaint argues that Stake allowed US users to bypass critical safeguards with little to no oversight. The plaintiff reportedly used virtual private networks (VPNs) to create and operate multiple accounts without facing significant problems. Funding those accounts, the lawsuit claims, was made simple through cryptocurrency transactions, including transfers routed via Coinbase.

Some of the personal consequences described in the filing are severe. The plaintiff describes his initial experiences at first as a casual interest, which developed into a compulsive pattern that led to financial losses and permanent psychological damage. The lawsuit also notes that disruptions in school and family life left lasting impacts.

Stake May Lack Sufficient Safeguards

The lawsuit includes legal claims under New York consumer protection laws and allegations of negligence. The plaintiffs are seeking damages and court orders compelling the platform to alter its operating and marketing practices. Since offshore platforms frequently fail to meet the same standards for consumer protection, responsible gaming, or financial transparency, enforcement primarily depends on civil litigation.

Stake owes much of its popularity to its partnership with streaming platforms such as Kick, where gambling-related content has flourished in recent years. The brand has become a dominant presence in online gambling content, with its logo appearing frequently in stream titles and sponsorship deals. Partnerships with rapper Drake and streamer Adin Ross have also helped push Stake into the mainstream.

Stake.com was paying influencers millions of dollars to bring in the next generation of users. This lawsuit is about accountability, and we intend to see it through.

Troy A. Rafferty, shareholder at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa

According to critics, this kind of exposure blurs the line between entertainment and advertising, particularly for younger audiences. Traditional gambling companies must comply with strict requirements on marketing and age verification. Meanwhile, offshore platforms operate without oversight from local regulators. The lawsuit could test if US courts are willing to hold foreign-based platforms accountable for activity involving American users.