A high-profile lawsuit has erupted in Missouri, setting its legal sights on Canadian rapper Drake, popular influencer Adin Ross, and the online casino platform Stake.us.
A class-action lawsuit was filed in Jackson County Circuit Court by Justin Killham, who alleges that this trio was involved in promoting an illegal gambling scheme disguised as a harmless game. Here's a breakdown of what's unfolding.
The lawsuit claims that Stake.us operated as an illegal gambling platform right under the noses of Missouri consumers.
It alleges that the platform used a sneaky dual-currency system in which users could bet with “Stake Cash” and then convert it to real money. According to Missouri's strict gambling laws, such operations are illegal, which puts Stake, along with Drake and Adin Ross, in hot water.
Accused of Targeting the Young and Vulnerable
The lawsuit doesn't stop at just declaring the platform illegal —it also paints a picture of deceptive marketing practices.
It claims that Drake and Adin Ross, using their massive influence, engaged in "deceptive, fraudulent, and unfair" tactics as defined by Missouri law. The alleged result? A wave of young and susceptible viewers who were misled into glamorizing and participating in gambling activities.
Drake and Adin Ross are accused of making gambling seem risk-free and appealing during their live streams. The lawsuit suggests that they portrayed these activities as if they were using their own money, when in fact they were using “house money” from Stake. This tactic allegedly increased the platform's allure and activity, drawing in more users under false pretenses.
Who is Adin Ross?
Ross became famous on Twitch starting in 2019 by streaming video games like NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto V. He became really popular by working with celebrities like Bronny James, LeBron James' son. Over time, he gained millions of followers not just on Twitch, but also on YouTube and a streaming site called Kick.
He is famous for chatting live and betting with other streamers, and he also shares a lot of lifestyle and fun content. Twitch banned him for good in 2023, but he was allowed back in 2025. Adin is a controversial person because he's bold and has links with many other influencers.
Who is Drake?
Drake is a famous rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor known worldwide. He first got famous as a child actor playing Jimmy Brooks on the Canadian show 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' from 2001 to 2008. He switched from acting to music and released his first mixtape, 'Room for Improvement,' in 2006. His big break came in 2009 with the mixtape 'So Far Gone,' which included the hit song 'Best I Ever Had.'
Drake is known for topping music charts and setting streaming records. He often teams up with other big artists and has business ventures. Despite his success, he talks about his modest background, Jewish heritage, and growing up in a middle-class family.
Understanding Missouri's Gambling Laws
To provide context, Missouri's online gambling laws are quite restrictive, permitting only specific forms of betting, such as charitable gaming and state lotteries.
The lawsuit emphasizes that Stake's operations went far beyond these boundaries, urging the court to hold the parties accountable for the financial harm suffered by affected individuals —especially the young audience.
As of now, neither Drake nor Adin Ross has given a formal response to the allegations.
While Adin Ross made a casual comment during a livestream, neither he nor Drake has offered any substantial public statement. Drake, however, continues to share posts about his gambling activities on Stake through social media, but no direct mention of the lawsuit has been made.
What’s Next in the Drake and Adin Ross Lawsuit?
The lawsuit remains active, and many are eager to see how it will unfold.
With substantial figures like Drake and Adin Ross in the mix, the outcomes could set significant precedents for digital influencers and online platforms involved in gambling and beyond. As the case progresses, those involved might soon step forward with their defenses or settle the matter out of court.
Until then, the lawsuit stands as a stark reminder of the legal boundaries in digital gambling —and the potential consequences of crossing them.
