Drake Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Ties to Online Gambling Company in 2026
Grammy-winning rapper Drake (Aubrey Graham) finds himself at the centre of another high-profile legal battle as a new class action lawsuit accuses him of ties to an allegedly illegal online gambling company. Filed in late 2025 and continuing into 2026, the lawsuit claims that Drake’s promotional activities with the online casino Stake.us contributed to deceptive practices and harmful financial behaviour. CityNews Toronto
What the Lawsuit Alleges
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The suit was filed on December 31, 2025, in a federal court in Virginia on behalf of plaintiffs including LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, seeking a jury trial and at least $5 million in damages and legal fees. CityNews Toronto
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It names Drake, social media influencer Adin Ross, and alleged facilitator George Nguyen as defendants, along with the operators of the online gambling site Stake.us. CityNews Toronto
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Plaintiffs claim that Stake.us operated as an illegal online casino, disguised as a “social casino” that used virtual currencies redeemable for cryptocurrency or gift cards — effectively functioning as real money wagering. CityNews Toronto
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According to the complaint, Drake and Ross were paid to promote the platform by gambling with these “surreptitiously” supplied virtual funds and shared content that obscured financial transactions associated with Stake.us. CityNews Toronto
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The lawsuit further alleges participants used features of the platform to transfer money between themselves, and that some transferred funds were used to artificially inflate Drake’s music streaming play counts and manipulate algorithms on platforms like Spotify. Pitchfork
Background: Drake and Stake
Drake has regularly promoted Stake, a gambling platform with a complex dual-currency system that some regulators argue is designed to circumvent online gambling restrictions in jurisdictions where traditional online casinos are illegal. Pitchfork
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Stake’s so-called “play money” system sells virtual credits with free tokens that can later be redeemed for real value through cryptocurrency or gift cards — a loop the lawsuit claims violates gambling laws. Pitchfork
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Drake reportedly signed an endorsement deal with Stake in 2022 worth a significant annual amount, and has frequently showcased gambling sessions and promotions on his large social media accounts. Pitchfork
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The lawsuit argues that this partnership misled users into believing the platform was lawful and harmless, while actually directing them into a scheme that could constitute illegal gambling. Pitchfork
Key Legal Claims
The class action lawsuit includes several major accusations:
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Illegal gambling promotion: Drake and others allegedly encouraged participation in a platform that violates state laws where online gambling is outlawed. Pitchfork
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Deceptive marketing: The complaint contends that participants used deceptive tactics by portraying Stake.us gambling as entertainment rather than an unlawful monetary activity. Pitchfork
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Financial misconduct: Plaintiffs claim Drake and associates funnelled proceeds through unregulated “tipping” systems to benefit themselves and facilitate further promotional leverage. Pitchfork
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Algorithm manipulation: The suit alleges connected schemes artificially boosted Drake’s streaming figures, potentially unfairly disadvantaging other artists and distorting digital music recommendation systems. Pitchfork
Legal and Industry Implications
Although these allegations remain unproven, the lawsuit could have wide-ranging consequences:
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Celebrity endorsements and liability: The case raises questions about how far artists and influencers can be held accountable for commercially driven promotions linked to unregulated or controversial platforms.
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Music industry integrity: Claims involving manipulation of streaming figures touch on broader industry concerns about fairness, data transparency, and algorithm integrity in digital music platforms.
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Online gambling regulation: This lawsuit could encourage regulators and lawmakers to take a closer look at gambling websites structured to exploit legal loopholes, especially where celebrity influence is involved.
For context on how online gambling laws vary by jurisdiction and the legal challenges associated with enforcement, consult How online gambling is regulated in the United States on Britannica.
What’s Next
As the lawsuit progresses through U.S. courts, representatives for Drake, Stake.us, and co-defendants have not publicly responded to the latest filing. Legal experts anticipate a lengthy process involving motions to dismiss or narrow claims, discovery, and potential settlement negotiations. Meanwhile, this case adds to a pattern of legal scrutiny around celebrity partnerships with high-risk digital enterprises and brings renewed focus to the responsibilities of public figures in promotional roles.
