‘Deliberate deception’: Lawsuit targets Stake, Drake for alleged illegal gambling scheme

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missourians are fighting to shut down what lawyers call a “deceptive” online gambling scheme, which uses Drake and other influencers to lure players.

Jackson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Monday, Oct. 27, indicate that the beginnings of a class action lawsuit were filed against Sweepsteaks Limited and 2 of its influencers.

The suit was filed by the Carey Danis & Low law firm on behalf of Justin Killham, who resides in Independence. It names Sweepsteaks Limited, Adin Ross and Aubrey Drake Graham, a.k.a. Drake.

The petition noted that Sweepsteaks Limited operates Stake.com, one of the world’s most popular and profitable online casinos. The company’s revenue reached $4.7 billion in 2024.

As Stake.com found itself blocked from entering the U.S. market, the complaint indicated that Sweepsteaks Limited created Stake.us, which operates a “social casino” in Missouri.

By Stake’s own definition, a social casino refers to:

According to Killham’s attorneys, Stake.us is a virtual clone of Stake.com and misleads Missourians to believe it offers harmless gameplay. In actuality, they believe Stake offers an illegal gambling platform.

The suit noted that a side-by-side comparison of the two platforms reveals that they are virtually identical. They offer the same games and share identical visuals.

The site also offers “Live Dealer Games,” which allow players to “interact with human dealers” and experience “what it would be like to be at a land-based casino while you’re sitting comfortably at home behind your computer screen or on your mobile device.”

As such, the petition indicated that the platform also replicates an “authentic casino experience” with online virtual slot machines, bingo, scratch cards and roulette.

The suit claims that Stake asserted that the only chips it sells are “Gold Coins,” which can be used for casual gameplay. However, these coins are bundled with “Stake Cash” as a “free” bonus.

Unlike the coins, the petition noted that the cash can be wagered on casino games and cashed out for real money at a fixed 1:1 ratio to the U.S. Dollar.

With its offer of Stake Cash, the suit claims that Stake is operating an unlicensed and illegal online casino in the Show-Me State.

The suit also indicated that Stake uses “playthrough” requirements, which do not allow users to access their prizes until a certain number of games are played. The complaint said this restricts players’ ability to withdraw winnings and pushes them to continue to gamble.

In April 2025, the Missouri Gaming Commission issued a Public Service Announcement, warning Missourians that it is unable to resolve complaints that arise from illegal gaming sites.

As such, the petition noted that Stake’s deceptive practices have harmed vulnerable Missourians, specifically those prone to gambling addiction and younger consumers.

In fact, the complaint indicated that Stake has flooded social media platforms with influencer videos. In particular, Stake pays Ross and Drake millions each year to promote its online casino.

However, the suit claims that Ross and Drake misrepresent whose money they actually gamble with. In fact, Drake’s public wagering has created what industry experts call the “Drake Effect.”

According to the petition, the Drake Effect massively boosts Stake’s popularity - especially among a younger audience. Stake even offers users a “chance to win big alongside Drake.”

The complaint noted that Drake prominently displays Stake’s sponsorship of him on Instagram and X. This elevates Stake as a centerpiece of Drake’s brand.

Specifically, the suit claims that Drake glamorizes the platform to millions of fans, many of whom treat his wild betting habits like gospel. Industry experts have described the act as “insidious,” “dark,” and “astrology for boys nursed on Barstool.”

The suit also alleged that Stake’s ads have been blacklisted on Twitch for consumer protection concerns. Months after the move, Stake funneled profits to launch Kick - built to rival Twitch.

According to the petition, Kick offered streamers nearly double Twitch’s cut. However, its loose moderation policies attracted “controversial figures” and “questionable content.”

The suit noted that Killham brought the action on behalf of himself and others in his situation. This includes anyone in Missouri who has gambled and lost money in Stake’s online casino in the last 5 years.

While the exact number of Class Members is currently unknown, Killham’s attorneys said the proposed Class likely includes at least hundreds of members.

The suit hopes to answer whether Stake, Ross and Drake violated Missouri law and if they owe damages to the Class. Injunctive relief has also been called for to halt Stake’s practices in the Show-Me State.

According to the complaint, “This deliberate deception exposes Missouri consumers to significant risks of financial ruin, psychological distress and gambling addiction.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Better Business Bureau’s website displays dozens of complaints that Stake lured them onto the platform. Users believe the Stake complaint team deflects and evades important details.

In fact, the UK Gambling Commission launched an investigation into Stake’s UK platform. The case resulted in the shutdown of this platform in March of 2025.

As of Tuesday, Oct. 28, a hearing has not yet been scheduled in the Missouri case.

KCTV5 has reached out to Ross’ management team, Drake’s management team and Stake.us for comment and continues to await a response.

KCTV5 also reached out to the Carey Danis & Low law firm to see how others can join the class action suit.