A newly filed legal case in the United States has placed two well-known public figures, music artist Drake and popular streamer Adin Ross, under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in promoting gambling activities. According to the class-action lawsuit submitted to a federal court in Virginia, the two celebrities are accused of directing consumers toward the real-money gambling site, Stake.us, through their extensive online influence.
The lawsuit, initiated by two Virginia residents, claims that Drake and Ross, accompanied by an associate from Australia, collaborated to introduce users to Stake.us, a platform offering gambling under the guise of a sweepstakes model. The accusation focuses on Stake.us’s dual-currency system, where players buy “Gold Coins” for entertainment purposes, but each transaction also involves “Stake Cash,” which can be wagered and converted into real money. This setup, plaintiffs argue, allows the platform to function in states where online casinos are typically restricted.
The case highlights how Drake and Ross allegedly promoted Stake.us through livestreams and social media, displaying high-stakes betting and significant wins, which reportedly enticed viewers to join the platform. The plaintiffs argue that these promotions created a misleading sense of security and minimized the risks of financial loss and gambling addiction.
Sweepstakes casinos, such as Stake.us, often hover in a gray area of U.S. gambling laws, leading to this lawsuit’s contention that Stake’s operations could be seen as violating federal regulations, including the RICO statute concerning racketeering. The suit suggests that Stake’s internal tipping mechanism facilitated unregulated financial transfers between users, which were allegedly used for broader non-gambling schemes, including marketing efforts.
Further allegations against Drake include the use of Stake-related funds to possibly support deceptive streaming practices intended to artificially inflate his music’s popularity on various platforms. Ross, meanwhile, is identified as a major promotional figure for Stake.us, with his broadcasts frequently featuring its branding, potentially drawing a younger audience into gambling activities.
The lawsuit intends to represent individuals in Virginia who have allegedly incurred losses on Stake.us over the past three years. It seeks damages, enforcement of consumer protection laws, and a cessation of the purported illegal practices. Previous lawsuits against Stake in different states underscore the increasing regulatory attention on sweepstakes casinos and the role of influencers in gambling promotion.
As this case progresses, it adds to the ongoing discourse around the regulation of online gambling platforms and the responsibilities of public figures in advertising such activities. The outcome may have significant implications for the gambling industry’s approach to influencer marketing and regulatory compliance.
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