Lawsuit Accuses Drake, Ross of Stake.us Racketeering

A federal class-action lawsuit filed in Virginia on December 31 accuses Canadian rapper Drake, streamer Adin Ross, and Australian national George Nguyen of participating in a racketeering scheme tied to the online platform Stake.us, which plaintiffs claim operates as an illegal casino that misled users into real-money gambling while using proceeds to artificially boost Drake's music streams.

The suit, brought by Virginia residents LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, alleges that Stake.us, owned by Sweepstakes Ltd. in Cyprus and based in Dallas, disguises gambling through a dual-currency system. Users purchase Gold Coins, which are bundled with Stake Cash redeemable for U.S. dollars at a one-to-one rate. The platform markets itself as offering free, social gaming without real-money wagering or required payments, but the complaint contends these representations are false and predatory, exposing players to addiction risks and financial harm. Ridley and Hines say they lost money after being drawn to the site by Drake's promotions, including livestreamed sessions where he and Ross wagered large sums that were actually provided by Stake, creating the illusion of personal risk.