(LOS ANGELES) – Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced today that her office has filed a lawsuit against the owners, operators and aiders and abettors of Stake.us, one of the largest and most profitable illegal gambling enterprises in California. The lawsuit alleges that the entity is unlicensed and is operating in violation of State law.
Although promoted as a “safe and free gaming experience,” or as a “social casino” that does not permit “real money gambling,” Stake.us operates like a traditional casino, offering more than 1,900 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games that provide prizes that can be redeemed for cryptocurrency or digital gift cards. These activities are in violation of California’s strict anti-gambling laws.
Filed for violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) and the False Advertising Law (“FAL”), Feldstein Soto’s lawsuit seeks to stop Stake.us and its accomplices from using their illegal gambling scheme to prey on Californians. The suit also aims to recover funds lost by Californians since Stake.us started offering online gambling to California residents, and to impose civil penalties to deter future misconduct.
In 2024, Stake earned approximately $4.7 billion in gross revenue - a large portion coming from the United States, including from California.
“Under the moniker of ‘America’s Social Casino,’ and despite claims that it is just a game, Stake.us is a rogue and real money gambling racket with destructive repercussions for its players," said Hydee Feldstein Soto, Los Angeles City Attorney. “We are holding Stake.us and its accomplices accountable for violating the law, targeting California for these illegal activities and facilitating addictive gambling behaviors.”
In an attempt to circumvent U.S. gambling regulations, including California’s anti-gambling statutes, Stake.us - a carbon copy of Stake.com - was created with virtually the same layout, games, graphics, colors and user interfaces. Similar to Stake.com and other online casinos, Stake.us offers online casino games - slots, table games, scratch cards, live dealer games, and exclusive “Stake Originals” - all of which are games of chance.
The Public Rights Branch within the City Attorney’s Office is managing this litigation.
LASC Case #25STCV25304: The People of the State of California vs Sweepsteaks LTD. D/B/A Stake.Us, Easygo Group Holdings Pty LTD., Medium Rare N.V., Kick Streaming Pty LTD., Ed Craven, Bijan Tehrani, Veriff, Veridian (Gibraltar) Limited, Tamaris (Gibraltar) Limited, Evolution Ab, Evolution Malta Holding LTD., Evolution US LLC, Evolution Malta LTD., Bigtime Gaming Pty LTD., Red Tiger Gaming LTD., Red Tiger International LTD., Netent, Nolimit City Holding LTD., Nolimit City LTD., Hacksaw Ab, Hacksaw Gaming LTD., Hgmt LTD., Hgim LTD.
For those struggling with problem gambling, confidential and free support is available through the California Department of Public Health - California Problem Gambling Helpline - 24/7:
- Phone: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with a live, master's-level counselor any time, day or night.
- Text: Send "SUPPORT" to 53342 to receive information and assistance via text message. Standard messaging rates may apply.
- Chat: Access real-time support through the online chat at 800gambler.chat
###
Hydee Feldstein Soto is the 43rd Los Angeles City Attorney, elected in November 2022 and sworn into office in December 2022. Her team of nearly 1,000 legal professionals, including 500+ attorneys, carries out legal work for the City of Los Angeles at her direction and under her supervision. She is the first female City Attorney in L.A. history.