Did Drake commit streaming fraud? Here is what we know

Drake Named in U.S. Lawsuit Alleging Streaming Fraud Linked to Online Betting Platform

Fresh reports have surfaced alleging that Canadian rapper Drake may be connected to a scheme involving artificial inflation of music streaming numbers through an online betting platform.

The artist has been named in a U.S. class-action lawsuit that claims he was involved in efforts to manipulate streaming metrics using funds associated with Stake.us, the U.S.-facing arm of the Curaçao-based gambling operator Stake. The lawsuit also names social media influencer Adin Ross and George Nguyen as co-defendants.

According to the complaint, the defendants promoted Stake.us publicly while allegedly routing money tied to the platform through internal systems to finance activities aimed at boosting Drake’s streaming numbers. The suit alleges that these funds were used to generate fraudulent streams on platforms such as Spotify, with the intent of inflating perceived popularity.

Filed on December 31, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, the lawsuit claims that Stake.us was marketed as a “social casino” but effectively operated as a real-money gambling platform. The complaint alleges that users purchased “Stake Cash,” which could reportedly be converted into cryptocurrency or gift cards, blurring the line between virtual and real currency.

The plaintiffs further allege that the platform’s “tipping” and fund-transfer features were used to move money among the defendants. Portions of these funds were then allegedly directed toward streaming manipulation efforts designed to distort recommendation algorithms and influence curated playlists.

According to the lawsuit, such actions could undermine the integrity of streaming platforms and disadvantage other artists by artificially elevating Drake’s music within discovery systems.

It is important to note that all allegations remain unproven. Neither Drake nor representatives for Stake.us had publicly responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting, and the case remains ongoing.