A high-profile class action lawsuit has been filed in federal court accusing rapper Drake, live-streamer Adin Ross, and online casino Stake of coordinating a scheme to manipulate music streaming metrics.
The complaint alleges that the defendants utilized gambling funds to finance “artificial streaming” activity, effectively buying popularity for specific tracks to inflate their chart positions.
The Alleged Scheme and “Hybrid Models”
Plaintiffs claim that “indirect payment mechanisms” linked to the crypto casino Stake were used to fund bot farms or automated listeners. This conduct, the lawsuit argues, was “systematic rather than incidental,” distorting the charts and disadvantaging competing artists and consumers who rely on accurate metrics. The filing describes a complex web of transactions designed to obscure the source of the funds.
The lawsuit also targets the promotional relationship between the celebrities and the casino. “Plaintiffs argue that such promotions encouraged participation without clearly explaining the platform’s regulatory status,” the filing states, noting that the alleged scheme relied on the grey-market status of the casino platform to operate outside standard financial oversight.
Legal Implications and Precedent
The lawsuit seeks financial damages and injunctive relief to stop the alleged practice. It frames the case as part of a broader issue involving unregulated “hybrid business models” where gambling, influencer marketing, and digital entertainment intersect.
Neither Drake nor Ross has formally responded to the allegations. If the case proceeds, it could set a major legal precedent regarding the disclosure of gambling sponsorships and the integrity of digital media metrics, potentially forcing greater transparency in how influencers monetize their platforms.
