Drake is facing a class-action lawsuit in Missouri over claims that he helped promote an illegal and “misleading” online casino, Stake.us. The rapper and streamer Adin Ross are accused of deceiving users into real-money gambling disguised as social play — sparking a major legal and ethical debate around influencer marketing and celebrity accountability

The hip-hop megastar has been named in a new class-action lawsuit in Missouri, accused of promoting an allegedly illegal and “deceptive” online casino, Stake.us. The case claims that Drake, along with influencer Adin Ross, misled users into gambling on a platform that disguised real-money betting as harmless entertainment.

Filed in Jackson County Circuit Court, the lawsuit — led by plaintiff Justin Killham — accuses Stake.us of “fraudulent and unfair business practices” that targeted vulnerable audiences, particularly young users. According to court documents, both Drake and Ross allegedly profited from marketing campaigns that presented the casino as a “free social gaming experience” while it functioned as an unlicensed gambling site.

At the center of the lawsuit is a so-called “dual currency system” — a setup that has drawn increasing scrutiny from regulators across the United States. Stake.us offered two types of virtual coins: gold coins, which had no cash value, and Stake Cash, which users could wager in casino-style games and redeem for real U.S. dollars on a 1:1 ratio. Lawyers argue this model was a smokescreen for illegal gambling activity.

The lawsuit describes the system as “a calculated attempt to circumvent gambling laws,” claiming that it created “a false impression of safety while encouraging addictive behaviors.” Plaintiffs argue that the company’s promotional content — featuring celebrities like Drake — was designed to lure users into real-money bets under the guise of entertainment.

Stake.us, the U.S.-based affiliate of the globally known crypto-gambling platform Stake.com, has been under fire before. Lawmakers and watchdog groups have long criticized the brand’s marketing approach, which leans heavily on influencer endorsements and flashy social media campaigns.

According to the complaint, Drake and Adin Ross were not merely paid endorsers — they were “active participants in deceptive marketing.” The filing alleges that both stars took part in livestreams where they appeared to gamble with their own money, when in fact, they were using funds provided by Stake. “These livestreams were designed to create the illusion of risk,” the lawsuit claims, “fooling viewers into believing that Drake and Ross were wagering their personal assets.”

The plaintiffs argue that this tactic was particularly harmful to younger fans, who interpreted the videos as authentic gaming content rather than sponsored advertising. The document further accuses the defendants of exploiting their “massive influence over impressionable audiences” for financial gain.

Stake.us has built its brand around celebrity partnerships. Drake has reportedly earned millions from his collaboration with the platform, frequently appearing in live betting streams where he plays roulette, slots, and sports wagers in real time. These broadcasts regularly attract hundreds of thousands of viewers across YouTube and Twitch-style platforms — many of them under 25.

But now, that image of Drake as the stylish, risk-taking “6 God” may be facing its biggest test yet. The lawsuit calls into question not only his business dealings but also the ethics of celebrity-driven gambling culture.

Legal experts note that the case could set a major precedent in the growing debate over influencer responsibility. “When global icons like Drake endorse gambling under the banner of entertainment, the impact is enormous,” said one media law analyst. “This lawsuit isn’t just about one rapper — it’s about the entire influencer economy.”

In recent months, U.S. officials have stepped up their efforts to regulate “social casinos.” California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill in September targeting dual-currency gaming systems, describing them as “a legal loophole for disguised gambling.” Similar cases have surfaced in Florida and Texas, with state attorneys general citing Stake’s operations as a “gray area of legality.”

Neither Drake nor Adin Ross has publicly commented on the Missouri lawsuit, and Stake.us has yet to release a formal statement. However, the complaint paints a damaging picture of coordinated deception. It claims that Stake’s marketing campaigns “strategically blurred the line between fun and financial risk,” while the use of celebrity livestreams gave users “false confidence in the safety and legitimacy of the platform.”

For many fans, the news is jarring. Drake, known as one of the most influential artists of his generation, has often celebrated luxury, luck, and success in his lyrics — themes that align closely with gambling imagery. His partnership with Stake began in 2022 and was seen by some as a natural extension of his brand. But as online betting faces increasing legal scrutiny, even casual involvement can carry major consequences.

The lawsuit also sheds light on the blurred lines between sponsorship and authenticity in modern influencer culture. Audiences today crave realness, yet the marketing behind digital gambling often relies on illusion — stars appearing to “risk it all” for entertainment when the stakes are, in reality, covered by the house.

Critics argue that this dynamic perpetuates addiction and false confidence among viewers. “People trust Drake. They believe if he’s doing it, it must be okay,” said one social researcher. “That’s the danger — parasocial influence amplified by celebrity power.”

If the case moves forward, Drake and Adin Ross could face substantial financial penalties, along with reputational damage. Stake.us, meanwhile, may be forced to prove that its operations comply with state and federal gaming laws — a challenge that could reshape the future of influencer-backed betting platforms.

Regardless of the verdict, the controversy has already reignited a global conversation about the ethics of celebrity influence. In an era where the line between entertainment and exploitation grows thinner by the scroll, Drake’s legal trouble is more than just a lawsuit — it’s a warning shot to an entire industry.