Drake is facing a new legal challenge after a federal lawsuit accused the global rap star and popular streamer Adin Ross of promoting an illegal online casino and using gambling-related funds to artificially boost music streams.
The lawsuit, filed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, alleges that Drake and Ross were part of a coordinated scheme involving an offshore online gambling platform that is not legally licensed to operate in the United States. According to the complaint, the casino allegedly targeted U.S. users while bypassing federal and state gambling regulations.
At the center of the case is the claim that Drake, one of the most-streamed artists in the world, used proceeds from the gambling operation to allegedly inflate streaming numbers for his music. The lawsuit claims these funds were used to generate fake or incentivized streams, giving the appearance of organic popularity and commercial success.
Adin Ross, a high-profile online personality known for live streaming and celebrity collaborations, is accused of promoting the casino to his largely young audience. The lawsuit alleges Ross encouraged viewers to gamble on the platform while portraying gambling losses as minimal or reversible, a claim the plaintiffs argue is misleading and harmful.
Legal filings state that Drake’s public association with the casino — including social media appearances, livestream mentions, and branding tie-ins — allegedly lent credibility to the platform. Plaintiffs argue that Drake’s involvement encouraged fans to participate in illegal gambling under the belief that it was legitimate and endorsed by a trusted celebrity.
The RICO statute, often used in cases involving organized criminal activity, allows plaintiffs to pursue civil damages if they can demonstrate a pattern of illegal conduct carried out by an enterprise. Legal experts note that RICO cases are complex and difficult to prove, requiring substantial evidence linking financial benefits, coordination, and intent.
Neither Drake nor Adin Ross has been found liable at this stage, and the allegations remain unproven. Representatives for Drake have not publicly commented on the lawsuit as of this writing, and Ross has not issued a formal statement addressing the claims. The casino platform named in the suit has also not responded publicly.
If the case proceeds, it could have significant implications for celebrity endorsements, influencer gambling promotions, and the music streaming industry. In recent years, regulators have increased scrutiny of online gambling platforms and the use of paid or automated streaming activity to manipulate music charts.
Industry analysts say the lawsuit highlights growing concerns over transparency in digital entertainment, particularly when massive online audiences and large sums of money intersect. The case could also reignite debate over whether current regulations are sufficient to address influencer-driven gambling promotion.
For now, the lawsuit remains in its early stages, with the court expected to determine whether the claims meet the legal threshold required for a RICO case to move forward.
