Drake's Stake Drama Puts Influencer Sweepstakes in the Hot Seat
Oct. 23 2025, Published 1:35 a.m. ET
By legal and gaming-industry standards, the relationship between top influencers and sweepstakes/gaming brands is entering a crisis phase — and the latest headline comes from none other than Drake.
Once a high-profile partner of the gambling platform Stake, his recent cut with the company has triggered renewed scrutiny of influencer-led casino marketing and how regulators view the whole sweepstakes ecosystem.
Drake’s Fallout With Stake: What Happened
Drake’s partnership with Stake reportedly began in 2022 through a lucrative deal—estimated at around $100 million per year—that positioned the rapper as a central face of the brand. The relationship unraveled publicly in August 2025, when Drake went after Stake’s co-founders, accused them of blocking his withdrawals, and disappeared from the streaming site Kick.
The rapper’s Instagram Story captured a screenshot of a support agent telling him the platform was “unable to process [his] last withdrawal attempt,” prompting Drake to ask: “Is it personal?”
While the true mix of business disagreement and branding failure remains behind closed doors, the spectacle has raised alarms. A celebrity influencer tipping the public toward a gambling‐adjacent model, then attacking the brand for alleged payout issues?
Influencers, Streamers & Sweepstakes: A Wider Pattern
Drake’s dispute is just one piece of a broader story. As noted by Sweepsy.com, popular streamers and influencers have increasingly appeared in sweepstakes casino marketing campaigns, such as Paris Hilton at Wow Vegas or Ryan Seacrest with Chumba Casino.
However, regulators worldwide are now pushing back. For example, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) flagged influencer ties to unlicensed gambling in 2025 and warned of civil penalties up to AU$2.5 million.
In short, Influencers promoting gaming brands that blur the line between entertainment and financial risk are becoming a regulatory target. States across the US are actively moving to tighten legislation or ban the sweepstakes model entirely.
Why Influencer Fallout Matters for the Gaming Space
Put simply, when a high-profile figure like Drake flips on a gaming partner, it sends shockwaves. Here’s why:
Credibility Hit – If followers believe the influencer is “in” on the brand (takes house money, candidate for payout blocks), trust vanishes. DJ Vlad publicly accused Drake of using house money through Stake before a publicized $8 m “loss.”
Regulatory Pressure – Influencers make gaming look glamorous. Regulators argue that it can encourage youth gambling or obscure risks. The AGA noted that 68% of sweepstakes users say they play to win real money.
Advertising Crackdowns – States are drafting laws that hold affiliates and influencers liable. New Jersey’s proposed bills would allow regulators to fine promoters who advertise unlicensed sweepstakes sites.
Given this, any influencer-gaming tie-up is about more than just a marketing contract. It may expose the influencer to reputational, legal, and financial risk—especially if the partner brand runs into regulatory trouble or faces payout issues like Stake.
What Regulators Are Targeting
Several regulatory angles are converging:
Advertising / Sponsorship Risk – Influencers promoting gambling (or gambling-adjacent) content may be subject to truth-in-advertising laws. In the US, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires clear disclosure of paid endorsements.
Sweepstakes Casino Liability – States increasingly see sweepstakes platforms as hidden, unregulated casinos. For example, Montana’s SB 555 defines any online game using “any form of currency” and offering prizes as illegal gambling.
Age / Player Protections – Many sweeps sites lack the self-exclusion tools, verified age gates, and audit oversight mandated in regulated markets. The AGA flagged this as a major consumer-risk issue.
Why Influencers Should Take Note—And Pivot
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For influencers involved in promoting gaming platforms, three key actions are now critical:
Check Brand Licensing – Ensure your partner brand has legal standing in core jurisdictions. If not, you could be tied to an unregulated operation.
Transparency With the Audience – Disclose sponsorships clearly; avoid glamorizing high stakes or suggesting “easy money”. That kind of post is becoming a regulatory flashpoint.
Exit Strategy – As Drake’s situation demonstrates, ends can get messy. Make sure contracts protect you from partner missteps, payout issues, or regulatory crackdowns.
The influencer-led casino world is in a moment of reckoning—and Drake’s public split with Stake is the canary in the coal mine. It illustrates how quickly celebrity tie-ups can turn into reputational and regulatory storms.
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. Gamble or play responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call 1-800-GAMBLER. If you’re in the U.K. and need help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. We disclaim any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of, or reliance on, the information presented.
