A class action lawsuit filed in the United States has accused rapper Drake and two associates of promoting an illegal online gambling platform and using funds linked to the operation to manipulate music streaming metrics.
The lawsuit, filed on December 31 and reviewed by U.S. media, names Drake, online streamer Adin Ross, and George Nguyen as defendants. The case was brought on behalf of two named plaintiffs, LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, and seeks to represent users of Stake.us, an online platform described in the filing as an illegal casino operating in the United States.
According to the complaint, Stake.us is the U.S.-facing version of Stake.com, an online gambling site that is banned from operating in many U.S. jurisdictions. The lawsuit alleges that Stake.us was created to circumvent those restrictions by presenting itself as a “social casino” that does not involve real money gambling. The plaintiffs argue that this description is misleading.
The platform uses virtual currencies referred to as Stake Cash and Gold Coins. The lawsuit claims that Stake Cash has real monetary value because it can allegedly be redeemed for cryptocurrency, which the plaintiffs argue amounts to unlawful gambling under U.S. law. The filing states that online casino games of this nature are illegal in Virginia and many other parts of the United States.
The lawsuit further alleges that Drake and Adin Ross were paid by Stake to promote the platform through livestreamed gambling sessions. According to the complaint, the funds used during these streams were allegedly provided by Stake itself without being clearly disclosed to viewers.
In addition to gambling-related claims, the lawsuit expands its allegations to include manipulation of music streaming platforms. The plaintiffs claim that money linked to Stake.us was used to artificially inflate streaming numbers for Drake’s music through the use of automated bots and streaming farms. The lawsuit alleges this activity was designed to distort recommendation algorithms, fabricate popularity, and disadvantage other artists.
The filing also accuses the defendants of using Stake’s internal tipping system to transfer funds among themselves in ways that allegedly bypassed regulatory oversight. George Nguyen is identified in the lawsuit as an Australian national with involvement in the platform’s operations.
The legal action alleges violations of the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. The plaintiffs are seeking financial damages and have requested a jury trial.
At this stage, the allegations contained in the lawsuit have not been tested in court. None of the defendants have been found liable, and no judicial findings have yet been made on the claims. As of publication, no formal response from Drake, Ross, Nguyen, or Stake.us had been included in court records reviewed by U.S. media.
The case adds to ongoing scrutiny in the United States over online gambling platforms, influencer promotions, and the integrity of digital music streaming systems. Further proceedings are expected as the lawsuit moves through the U.S. court system.