Drake and streamer Adin Ross are facing legal trouble over their promotion of the online gambling platform Stake. A federal class-action lawsuit filed in Virginia on December 31 alleges that the site has been operating as “one of the largest and most profitable illegal online casinos” since at least 2022.
Plaintiffs LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines claim Stake misleads users by presenting itself as a free, safe gaming platform while enabling real-money wagering through virtual currency. Though the website advertises “no purchase or payment is necessary” and a “social, safe and free gaming experience,” the complaint states that users purchase Gold Coins bundled with Stake Cash, which can then be cashed out one-to-one in U.S. dollars.
Drake and Ross are described as “zealous” and “paid” promoters of the platform, incentivized to “mask the true nature and extent of their conduct.” According to the lawsuit, both engaged in live-streamed gambling using Stake Cash that was secretly provided by the platform, rather than their own funds.
The complaint also alleges that Stake’s internal tipping system was used by Drake, Ross, and Stake executive Nguyen to move large sums of money, including a public $100,000 tip between Drake and Ross. The funds were allegedly used to support artificial streaming, manipulate music recommendation algorithms, and boost Drake’s music popularity while concealing the transactions.
Plaintiffs say they suffered financial losses due to these practices and are seeking damages, penalties, and an injunction to stop the alleged misconduct.
This lawsuit adds to a series of legal challenges for Drake and Ross, who were both named in two previous Stake-related lawsuits in October 2025. Drake reportedly signed a $100 million endorsement deal with Stake in 2022. Ross, speaking on a livestream about the lawsuits, dismissed them as “fucking bullshit.”
