The online gambling platform Stake, heavily promoted by major figures like Drake and Adin Ross, is now facing serious legal challenges. Two class-action lawsuits have been filed, accusing the company and its prominent representatives of promoting an illegal gambling operation in the U.S.
The Allegations Against Stake
At the core of the lawsuits is Stake.us, a platform described as a “social casino” that uses cryptocurrency. Plaintiffs allege that the site deceives users by offering play-money “Gold Coins” while bundling them with “Stake Cash,” which can be redeemed for crypto or cash. This model, they claim, allows Stake to facilitate illegal real-money betting under the guise of free social gaming, thereby circumventing U.S. gambling laws and bans in states without legalized online casinos.
The lawsuits specifically name Drake and Adin Ross as complicit in this alleged scheme. It’s claimed they used “house money”—funds provided by Stake—during their high-profile streaming sessions on Kick, a platform backed by Stake. This tactic allegedly misled viewers into believing they were witnessing genuine personal risks, with wins celebrated to entice bets and losses downplayed.
Drake and Adin Ross’s Roles
Drake’s partnership with Stake began in 2022, and he quickly became one of the brand’s most visible figures. He hosted massive gambling livestreams on Kick, wagering millions and celebrating wins on his Instagram. The lawsuit claims he earned millions annually for these endorsements, integrating Stake into his OVO brand and effectively becoming the platform’s “unofficial mascot.”
Adin Ross, a prominent streamer on Kick, is also a central figure. His marathon gambling sessions on Stake draw huge viewership, and his partnership reportedly brings in significant income. Together, Drake and Ross are accused of creating a feedback loop, where Drake’s star power boosts Ross’s streams, and Ross amplifies Stake’s reach to younger audiences, including those under the legal gambling age.
The Lawsuits Unpacked
The first lawsuit was filed on October 28, 2025, in Missouri, representing a class of affected users who claim Stake operated illegally in a state with strict gambling limits. Drake, Ross, Stake, and its founders are named as co-defendants. Just days later, on October 30, a second complaint emerged in New Mexico, mirroring the first but highlighting local harms and losses incurred within the past year.
These suits seek damages for “unjust enrichment,” fraud, and violations of consumer protection laws. They argue that the promotions targeted vulnerable individuals, including minors and those prone to addiction, while influencers profited from glamorizing gambling. One plaintiff, Justin Killham, claims he lost significant sums believing he was engaging in legal entertainment.
Reactions and What’s Next
Adin Ross has publicly dismissed the lawsuit as “complete bullsh*t” and opportunistic. Other streamers, like xQc, have called the situation “overblown drama.” Drake, however, has remained largely silent on the legal proceedings. Stake’s spokesperson has issued a strong denial, calling the allegations “baseless” and vowing to defend against them vigorously.
Despite the mounting legal pressure, Drake recently posted a promotional ad for Stake on his Instagram, adding a layer of defiance. Legal experts anticipate potential settlements to avoid the scrutiny of discovery into endorsement contracts. No court dates have been set yet.
What are your thoughts on these lawsuits against Drake, Adin Ross, and Stake? Do you think the platform’s promotions are deceptive? Let us know in the comments below!
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