Drake Places $750,000 Bet on RCB for IPL 2025 Final: Fans Worry About 'Drake Curse'

Canadian rapper Drake has placed a significant $750,000 bet on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). If RCB wins, Drake stands to earn $1.31 million. However, fans are concerned about the infamous 'Drake Curse,' a superstition suggesting that teams supported by Drake often face defeat. This article explores Drake's betting history, the legal landscape of online betting in India, and the implications of his latest wager on RCB's chances in the upcoming final.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 3, 2025, 17:55 IST

Drake's High-Stakes Bet on IPL 2025

Canadian rapper Drake has made headlines by placing a staggering bet of $750,000 (approximately Rs 6.4 crore) on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to triumph over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final. Should RCB secure victory on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Drake could potentially earn $1.31 million (around Rs 11.23 crore). This wager was placed through Stake, a cryptocurrency betting platform.

Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions

Drake took to Instagram to share a screenshot of his bet, captioning it with the well-known RCB phrase 'Ee sala cup namde,' which translates to 'this year, the cup is ours' in Kannada. This post has further fueled excitement and superstition among fans. The rapper, recognized for his chart-topping music and active participation in sports betting, also tagged Stake in his post.

Concerns Over the 'Drake Curse'

While many fans are thrilled by Drake's endorsement, some RCB supporters express concern over the so-called 'Drake Curse.' This superstition suggests that teams or athletes backed by Drake often face defeat. The notion originated as an internet joke but gained traction after several notable losses followed his support. High-profile figures like Serena Williams, Conor McGregor, and teams such as the Toronto Raptors and Manchester City have all experienced unexpected losses after Drake's public backing.

Recently, this curse has extended to betting, with Drake's public wagers frequently resulting in losses. Although there is no scientific evidence to support this belief, it has become ingrained in fan culture, especially among gamblers.

Drake's Previous IPL Involvement

This bet on RCB is not Drake's first venture into IPL betting. In 2024, he surprised cricket enthusiasts by placing a significant wager on Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) during their final against Sunrisers Hyderabad. His return to IPL betting this year has sparked even more conversation.

Legal Aspects of Online Betting in India

Although Drake's bets do not directly impact him as a Canadian citizen, they highlight the ambiguous legal status of online sports betting in India. The Public Gambling Act of 1867, which remains the primary law in many regions, does not specifically address online betting, leaving regulation largely to individual states.

While Indian users can access platforms like Stake, only a few states, such as Sikkim and Goa, permit limited online betting. Conversely, states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have prohibited all forms of online gambling, creating a complex legal landscape for international sports betting websites.

The Anticipation for RCB's Future

Regardless of the validity of the 'Drake Curse,' one thing is clear: Drake's bet has added an intriguing layer of excitement to the IPL 2025 final. For RCB fans, the blend of hope and superstition is now part of the anticipation leading up to the title match on Tuesday.

If RCB emerges victorious, it could not only end their long-standing trophy drought but also dispel the superstition associated with Drake's support. Conversely, if they lose, the narrative surrounding the 'curse' may intensify.