Drake and Adin Ross Accused of Using Online Casino Funds to Inflate Music Streams

A new class-action lawsuit filed in a US federal court in Virginia alleges that the singer Drake, streamer Adin Ross, and an Australian-based third party lured consumers into real-money gambling as part of a wider racketeering scheme. The lawsuit claims proceeds linked to gambling activity on Stake.us were later used to artificially boost streaming numbers for Drake’s music.

The case was brought by two Virginia residents who say they were drawn into gambling on the platform after viewing paid promotions, livestreamed gambling sessions, and giveaways associated with Drake and Ross.

About Stake

Stake.com is an online casino founded in 2017 by Australian entrepreneurs and licensed in offshore jurisdictions. The platform has expanded internationally through influencer partnerships and livestream-based promotions.

In the United States, Stake.us operates under a different model from Australian online casino options, functioning as a sweepstakes-style platform that uses a dual-currency system combining free-play tokens with a separate redeemable currency known as Stake Cash.

Allegations of Predatory Gambling Promotion

According to the complaint, the plaintiffs argue that celebrity-backed promotions encouraged participation in a gambling environment that exposed users to significant financial risk. The filing claims the promotional content leveraged the defendants’ reach and influence while downplaying the potential harms of gambling, ultimately leading consumers to wager real money on the platform.

The plaintiffs allege they suffered losses arising from transactions in the platform’s redeemable currency and contend they were misled by the manner in which the casino was promoted.

Claims of Unregulated Money Transfers

A central element of the lawsuit focuses on Stake’s user-to-user features. The complaint alleges that these tools were used to move funds directly between accounts, thereby functioning as an informal money-transfer mechanism without the oversight typically applied to regulated financial services.

The plaintiffs claim that funds moved in this manner between the defendants were later redirected to coordinated online promotional efforts.

Alleged Artificial Streaming and Amplification

The lawsuit further alleges that gambling-linked funds were used to artificially inflate streaming numbers for Drake’s catalogue across major music platforms. According to the filing, this included the use of automated systems and organised amplification campaigns designed to manipulate play counts and visibility.

The plaintiffs argue that these practices distorted fair competition in music discovery systems and reduced exposure for other artists.

Role of the Australian-Based Defendant

The third defendant, Australian national George Nguyen, is described in the lawsuit as an operational facilitator. The complaint alleges that he received cryptocurrency associated with the platform and coordinated amplification efforts, including social media clipping and narrative promotion across multiple platforms.

The filing asserts that communications, public posts, and transaction records indicate ongoing coordination dating back to 2022.

Legal Claims and Scope of the Case

The lawsuit seeks to represent Virginia residents who lost one or more wagers using Stake Cash within the past three years. Claims include alleged violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and federal racketeering laws under the RICO statute.

The filing argues that the plaintiffs were induced to sign up and transact on the platform by the defendants’ representations and promotional activity.

Drake’s Gambling Persona and Stake Connection

Drake has been closely associated with online gambling in recent years, largely through high-visibility promotions and livestreamed betting content. He has also been publicly associated with Stake.com through sponsorship-style marketing and gambling-themed social content that helped push the brand into mainstream pop culture.

Previous Legal Challenges

This is not the first lawsuit to raise concerns about the relationship between Drake, Ross, and the casino brand. A similar class action was filed in Missouri in late 2025 and later moved to federal court. Together, the cases add to broader scrutiny of celebrity-backed gambling promotions and their impact on consumers.

The Virginia case remains ongoing.