A class-action lawsuit filed in Virginia federal court has named musician Drake, online streamer Adin Ross and Australian national George Nguyen over allegations of using online casino proceeds to inflate streaming numbers for Drake's music.
The plaintiffs, LaShawnna Ridley and Tiffany Hines, allege that the defendants promoted Stake.us, a gambling platform, through paid endorsements, live-streamed sessions and giveaways, encouraging users to place real-money wagers. The filing claims this promotion exposed consumers to gambling risks and financial harm.
The complaint states that Drake, Ross and Nguyen acted as promoters for Stake and allegedly used the platform's tipping system to transfer money among themselves. These funds were reportedly then used to finance automated streams of Drake's music and social media campaigns targeting competitors.
Nguyen is identified as an operational facilitator who managed cryptocurrency transfers, coordinated bot-based streaming campaigns and oversaw social media amplification on platforms including X, formerly Twitter.
The filing alleges the activities date back to 2022 and may continue to constitute racketeering. The legal claims include violations of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, federal racketeering statutes and deceptive marketing practices.
The original Missouri class-action complaint named Drake, Adin Ross and Sweepsteaks Limited, alleging that the celebrities misled Missouri residents by promoting Stake.us as though they were gambling their own money.
The suit claims this influencer marketing exposed consumers, particularly young people, to financial losses while benefitting the company through paid promotions.
Since the Missouri case, Drake, Adin Ross and Sweepsteaks Limited have faced a second class-action lawsuit in New Mexico, which mirrors the earlier complaint.
The Virginia lawsuit seeks to represent residents who wagered on Stake.us within the last three years while representatives for Drake, Ross and Nguyen have not publicly commented on the allegations
