Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced Thursday that her office has sued the owners and operators of Stake.us, alleging the online gambling site is unlicensed and operating illegally in California.

The Public Rights Branch within the City Attorney’s Office is managing the case, which was filed with the Superior Court of California on August 28. The lawsuit alleged violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law, and seeks to stop Stake.us from operating in the state.

Additionally, the lawsuit aims to recover funds lost by Californians since Stake.us started offering online gambling to state residents and to impose civil penalties to deter future misconduct.

“Under the moniker of `America Social Casino,’ and despite claims that it is just a game, Stake.us is a rouge and real money gambling racket with destructive repercussions for its players,” Feldstein Soto said in a statement. “We are holding Stake.us and its accomplices accountable for violating the law, targeting California for these illegal activities and facilitating addictive gambling behaviors.”

The site bills itself as a “safe and free gaming experience” and a “social casino” without real-money gambling, according to the city attorney’s office. But Feldstein Soto alleged Stake.us functions like a traditional casino, offering more than 1,900 games — including slots, table games and live dealer options — with prizes redeemable for cryptocurrency or digital gift cards, in violation of California gambling laws.

The company attempted to bypass U.S. gambling regulations, as well as state laws, by creating Stake.us, a carbon copy of Stake.com, the city attorney’s office said. The websites share the same layout, games, graphics, colors and user interfaces, according to the city’s complaint.

In 2024, Stake earned approximately $4.7 billion in gross revenue — a large portion coming from the United States, including from California, the city attorney’s office said.

For individuals struggling with problem gambling, confidential and free support is available through the California Department of Public Health with the following resources:

— Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) to connect with a live, master’s-level counselor any time, day or night;

— Send “SUPPORT” to 53342 to receive information and assistance via text message. Standard messaging rates may apply; and

— Access real-time support through the online chat at 800gambler.chat.