A new lawsuit claims Drake’s association with an online casino was tied to illegal gambling promotions and artificially boosted music streams
A High-Profile Lawsuit Emerges
January 2, 2026: HOLR has the latest news as Canadian superstar Drake faces a federal class-action lawsuit alleging involvement in an unlawful gambling and streaming-manipulation scheme. The suit names Drake alongside streamer Adin Ross, an Australian co-defendant, and the online casino platform Stake.us, accusing them of promoting illegal gambling while allegedly using proceeds to inflate Drake’s streaming numbers.
Image Credit: Rolling Stone
Filed in Virginia, the lawsuit claims consumers were misled by celebrity-driven promotions that appeared fun and harmless — but allegedly encouraged participation in activities that violated U.S. gambling laws. The plaintiffs argue that the defendants benefited from these activities both financially and through increased visibility for Drake’s music.
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Claims About Streaming Manipulation
According to the complaint, Stake.us — marketed publicly as a free “social casino” — allegedly enabled real-money wagers and payouts through a system that disguised how funds moved across the platform. The filing states that features within the site allowed money transfers that were then used to finance “streaming farms” and “bots,” artificially boosting Drake’s play counts across major digital platforms.
These alleged tactics, the lawsuit claims, distorted industry data, manipulated chart positions, and created an uneven playing field for other artists whose numbers reflected only organic listener engagement. The plaintiffs are seeking damages, restitution, and court-ordered restrictions to halt the practices described.
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Broader Industry Questions
This case arrives at a time when regulators are paying closer attention to celebrity endorsements tied to gambling and to questions surrounding authenticity in the music-streaming economy. With artists increasingly connected to online platforms — from gaming to crypto spaces — watchdogs argue that transparency is more important than ever.
The lawsuit has not yet been proven in court, and representatives for Drake have not publicly commented. However, legal observers note that the outcome could shape conversations around responsibility, disclosure, and how far influential public figures can go in promoting emerging digital platforms.
Image Credit: The Hollywood Reporter
What Happens Next
As the case progresses, filings and court proceedings are expected to reveal additional details about how the alleged scheme functioned and who may ultimately be held liable. For both the music and tech worlds, the lawsuit serves as a high-stakes test of where promotion ends — and potential legal exposure begins.
HOLR will continue following developments as the court evaluates the claims and responses from all parties involved.
Published by HOLR Magazine