Drake Sued For Promoting ‘Unlawful’ Gambling Site Stake

Drake is facing a class action lawsuit accusing him of promoting illegal gambling through Stake, a sweepstakes casino critics say evades regulations. Lawyers call his role “deeply fraudulent.”

Drake’s gambling habit has finally landed him somewhere no high roller wants to be, in court. The Toronto megastar and online streamer Adin Ross are facing a class action lawsuit accusing them of promoting illegal gambling through their partnership with the online casino Stake.

Filed on October 27 in Missouri, the suit claims Drake, Ross and Stake collectively engaged in “deceptive, fraudulent and unfair” practices, using their celebrity status to lure fans into betting on what lawyers are calling an unlawful sweepstakes operation.

Plaintiff Justin Killham alleges that Drake’s constant high stakes antics glamorised gambling to millions of impressionable followers. “Drake’s role as Stake’s unofficial mascot is quietly corrosive, he’s glamorising the platform to millions of impressionable fans, many of whom treat his wild betting habits like gospel,” the lawsuit states.

Stake operates using a “dual currency” loophole, players buy ‘gold coins’ for entertainment but can also win ‘sweeps coins’ that are redeemable for cash. Critics argue that this system is designed to sidestep gambling regulations, a claim several U.S. states, including California and New Jersey, have already moved to challenge.

The lawsuit also alleges that both Drake and Ross were paid millions to front Stake’s promotions under “deeply fraudulent pretenses”. Lawyers claim that the pair often didn’t wager their own money during streams and videos, instead using “house funds” to stage massive bets that appeared genuine.

“When Ross and Drake purport to gamble online with Stake.com, they often do not do so with their own money,” Killham’s lawyers argue, warning that the conduct “threatens the welfare of Missouri residents and especially its young people.”

Neither Drake, Ross, nor Stake have publicly commented on the lawsuit, but the case could have major implications for how influencer backed gambling platforms operate online. For now, the “6 God” might find himself rolling snake eyes in the court of public opinion.