A class-action lawsuit filed this week in Jackson County Circuit Court, Missouri, accuses the online gaming platform Stake.us of operating an unlawful casino and misleading state residents. The suit also names rapper Drake and streamer Adin Ross as co-defendants, claiming the pair promoted the platform while deceiving viewers about the nature of their gambling activities.
Plaintiff Justin Killham filed the action against Sweepstakes Limited, parent company of both Stake.us and its global counterpart, Stake.com. He contends that Stake.us was designed to sidestep Missouri’s gambling laws by posing as a sweepstakes site while functioning as an online casino.
According to the filing, Stake.us runs on a dual-currency system involving Gold Coins and Stake Cash. Though Gold Coins are presented as having no cash value, each dollar spent by players converts into an equivalent amount of Stake Cash, which can be wagered on casino-style games and later redeemed for real money. The complaint asserts that this setup effectively makes the operation an unlicensed gambling enterprise.
Drake and Adin Ross Accused of Misleading Promotions
The lawsuit expands its claims to the celebrities who endorsed the brand. It alleges that Drake and Adin Ross “unjustly profited” by promoting Stake.us to millions of fans while hiding the true source of their betting funds. Both are accused of creating the illusion they were gambling with their own money, though the complaint claims they were instead provided with “house money.”
“Drake’s role as Stake’s unofficial mascot is quietly corrosive—he’s glamorizing the platform to millions of impressionable fans, many of whom treat his wild betting habits like gospel,” the lawsuit stated.
The filing further asserts that such actions are “deceptive, fraudulent and unfair and violate Missouri law.” It references Drake’s lucrative promotional partnership—reportedly worth at least $100 million—signed in 2022 to promote Stake.com and Stake.us. The rapper frequently showcased his bets during livestreams on Kick, a platform owned by Stake co-founder Ed Craven.
Ross, a prominent influencer with a large following, also promoted Stake’s gambling content on Kick and social media. Both, according to the suit, helped normalize high-stakes betting for younger audiences and misrepresented the risks involved.
Legal Claims and Broader Implications
The complaint accuses the defendants of violating the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act by mischaracterizing the platform as a harmless “social casino.” It also alleges unjust enrichment and invokes a Missouri statute allowing players who lost money through illegal gambling to seek restitution.
Killham’s suit seeks compensation for losses, punitive damages, attorney fees, and an injunction barring Stake.us from operating in Missouri. It aims to represent all residents who lost money on the platform within the last five years.
The lawsuit cites a Missouri Gaming Commission bulletin reaffirming that online casino gambling is illegal in the state. Though the notice was directed at fake websites posing as licensed casinos, the filing uses it to support its case against Stake.us.
Stake.us previously faced scrutiny in California, where regulators sought to halt its sweepstakes operations and recover player losses.
If successful, the Missouri case could set a key precedent for how sweepstakes gaming sites—and their high-profile partners—are held accountable under state gambling laws.
Source:
“Missouri lawsuit targets Stake.us alongside Drake and Adin Ross”, completeigaming.com, October 28, 2025
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