Stake, Drake and Sweepstakes Casinos: Is It Real Gambling?
Stake.us is a sweepstakes casino: instead of betting cash directly, you play with virtual currencies, typically one you buy for fun and another that can be redeemed for real prizes. That model lets these sites operate in states where online casinos are illegal. Drake became its most famous face through a big sponsorship and livestreamed sessions, and since 2025 he, streamers like Adin Ross and Stake have been named in several lawsuits accusing them of promoting illegal gambling. Meanwhile, several states have moved to ban sweepstakes casinos altogether.
How sweepstakes casinos work
You buy a package of "coins" and usually get a second, redeemable currency as a "bonus". You then play slots, dice and table-style games with that currency, and winnings can be cashed out. Legally it's framed as a sweepstakes; in practice, you're spending money on casino games for a chance to win money back.
Why it's so easy to lose track
- Virtual coins hide the real amount you're spending.
- Casino games are fast: hundreds of spins an hour.
- Streamers make it look like everyone wins big. Highlight clips don't show the losses.
- Bonuses and daily rewards pull you back every day.
The Drake lawsuits
Lawsuits filed since 2025 accuse Stake, Drake and well-known streamers of promoting illegal gambling to young audiences. They're allegations, not findings, and the cases are ongoing. But they've put a spotlight on how celebrity and streamer promotion makes casino play look normal.
How to stop
- Close or self-exclude your account using the site's responsible gaming tools.
- Block the sites and apps with Screen Time or a gambling blocker.
- Ask your bank to block gambling and crypto-casino transactions, and remove saved cards.
- Unfollow the streamers whose content keeps pulling you back.
- Add up what you've bought versus what you've redeemed.
If it's hard to stop, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, confidential support.
Cake, an iOS app in development, gives the money somewhere better to go: put something you want on a cake sized by its price, $5 a slice, and every session you skip fills slices while the money adds up in a virtual jar.
Common questions
Is Stake.us real gambling?
Legally it's framed as a sweepstakes, but you spend money on casino-style games for a chance to win money, which works like gambling.
Why is Drake being sued over Stake?
Lawsuits allege that Drake, Stake and some streamers promoted illegal gambling. The cases are ongoing and the claims haven't been proven.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal?
It depends on the state. Several states have banned or are moving to ban them.