Lawsuit Claims Drake Used Online Casino Funds to Boost Music Streams

January 4, 2026

Drake is facing serious legal heat after a new lawsuit accused the rapper of being part of an alleged scheme involving illegal online gambling and artificial streaming inflation.

According to a lawsuit reviewed by USA TODAY, Drake has been named in a RICO lawsuit filed on Dec. 31 that claims he promoted an illegal online casino and used money from the platform to boost streams of his own music. The suit also names Twitch streamer Adin Ross and George Nguyen as defendants.

At the center of the case is Stake.us, the American version of Stake.com. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, describes Stake.us as “one of the largest and most profitable illegal online casinos” operating in the U.S. It further alleges the platform was created to get around restrictions after Stake.com was banned from operating nationwide.

While Stake.us has been marketed as a “social casino” that does not involve real-money gambling, the lawsuit claims that language was designed to mislead both regulators and users. The site operates using virtual currencies known as “Stake Cash” and “Gold Coins,” but the filing argues that Stake Cash carries real monetary value because it can be exchanged for cryptocurrency, effectively turning gameplay into real gambling.

The lawsuit alleges Drake, 39, and Ross were paid to promote the platform through livestreamed gambling sessions, with cash allegedly provided “surreptitiously” by Stake. Lawyers for the plaintiffs claim Drake was “at the heart of the scheme,” accusing him of using automated bots and streaming farms to artificially inflate play counts of his music on major platforms like Spotify.

The filing also points to the broader cultural moment surrounding Drake, noting that the allegations surface as his highly publicized feud with Kendrick Lamar continues to ripple through pop culture.

Plaintiffs are accusing the defendants of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) as well as the Virginia Consumer Protection Act. They are seeking damages and have demanded a jury trial.

As of now, Drake has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. Stay tuned to Yummy Hits SoFlo for updates as this case unfolds and the music world watches closely. 🎧⚖️

Written by: Janetzy