Gambling is a game of chance at winning a life-changing jackpot. But for many, it’s also a guaranteed path to personal financial ruin. From drained savings accounts to shattered families, the world of online betting has wrecked so many lives across the world. One woman who suffered the same fate is strangely blaming her financial downfall on Ryan Seacrest.
Court documents obtained by TMZ indicate that the California woman named Aubrey Carillo is dragging Seacrest to court. In her lawsuit, Carillo claims that the American Idol host was responsible for her financial woes after he allegedly promoted an illegal online casino that sucked her in and cleaned her out.
The 50-year-old television presenter, who recently took over Pat Sajak’s hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune, has allegedly been endorsing ChumbaCasino.com, an online gambling site that Carillo says is operating illegally in the Golden State. Carillo insists that Seacrest is more than just a casual supporter; he is said to be Chumba’s “official celebrity endorser.”
As claimed in the lawsuit, Seacrest has allegedly fueled a rise in the online casino’s users after promoting the brand via paid social media posts and appearing in its sketchy promotional material. Additionally, Ryan’s high-profile backing of the casino brand has allegedly influenced adults and even minors to start gambling. She even claims that one child in her family has accessed Chumba.
How people are reacting to the lawsuit against Seacrest
TMZ reached out to Seacrest’s camp for comment, but they did not respond. Meanwhile, the outlet learned from a source, with knowledge of the situation, that this was merely a nuisance lawsuit. Nuisance or not, Carillo’s filing has already affected the public’s view of Seacrest.
In his latest Instagram posts, some users have called him out after learning about the lawsuit. “Seriously, even I found it a bit tacky you doing ads for online gambling. Just how many jobs and how much money do you need??” one user wrote, while another said, “Ryan, you really need to choose wisely what you are promoting. Gambling is the worst. Hope you change your mind about it.”
Carillo wants a judge to block Seacrest and Virtual Gaming Worlds from profiting off Californians and shut the site down in the state. Seacrest and his team have yet to react to this. The seasoned television presenter has been busy reminiscing about the old times he shared with his former Live! co-host, Kelly Ripa. “I love that show. I had a blast doing it. Kelly and I are still the closest friends,” he told E! News before teasing his upcoming reunion with Ripa on his former show.
Published: May 3, 2025 09:02 am