High 5 Games, a provider of online casino content, has agreed to pay $1.5 million to settle charges with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) after it was found that they operated an unlicensed online casino called High5Casino in the state. This settlement wraps up a months-long probe and marks increasing regulatory checks on online betting firms in America.
License Suspension: High 5 Games, which holds a license for providing slot content to legal gaming platforms in Connecticut, had its Online Gaming Service Provider license summarily suspended by the DCP on March 14, 2025. This occurred as soon as regulators discovered that High5Casino was accepting bets from individuals in Connecticut without obtaining authorization.
Consumer Impact: It was uncovered that 1,100 customers from Connecticut placed their deposits and wagers on High5Casino; even those on the state’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion List. This program is designed to prevent problem gamblers from participating in any legal gaming activity.
Financial Losses: Out of those customers, 911 ended up losing a total amount of $937,938.
Restitution and Penalties: High 5 Games agreed to nearly $1.5 million in payments. This includes $643,000 in restitution to affected customers and about $800,000 in consumer-related payments.
License Reinstatement: High 5 Games’ license has been reinstated as of May 22, 2025, upon cessation of all unlicensed operations and agreement to settlement terms. They may now supply slot games only to licensed iGaming providers in the state of Connecticut.
Geolocation and Compliance: High 5 Games is required to maintain robust geofencing technology to prevent Connecticut players—even those using VPNs or proxies—from accessing High5Casino. Additionally, the firm has pledged not to operate or reintroduce any sweepstakes or simulated casino games in Connecticut without proper licensing.
Future Restrictions: High 5 Games cannot license or supply its games to other sweepstakes casino operators in Connecticut unless those activities are confirmed by the DCP as legal.
Regulatory and Industry Context
A Warning: The Connecticut regulators have emphasized that the settlement will be communicated to all operators and suppliers. They must comply with the State Gaming Laws, as enforcement action will be taken against any unlicensed activity.
Legal Landscape: In Connecticut, for online casino games—whether real money or simulated—all operators must be licensed by the DCP. Only two legal online casinos are operating within this state: FanDuel and DraftKings.
Broader Trends: This case reflects a nationwide trend, as more states in the U.S. adopt laws legalizing and regulating online gambling, accompanied by a parallel increase in enforcement actions against unlicensed operators aimed at protecting consumers and maintaining market integrity.
Statements from Officials
Bryan T. Cafferelli, DCP Commissioner:
“We are pleased that the Connecticut consumers who were inappropriately lured into placing their wagers on an unlicensed platform will be made whole, and that this company has ceased operations of its unlicensed casino in Connecticut.”
Kris Gilman, Director of the DCP Gaming Division:
“We are satisfied with the outcome of this investigation—which led to returning money to customers harmed by the unauthorized operation of an unlicensed sweepstakes casino.”
The High 5 Games agreement with Connecticut sends a clear message that state officials are vigilant in enforcing gaming regulations and protecting players. Companies and providers must ensure full compliance with local laws, as regulators are prepared to take decisive action against any unauthorized or unlawful activities in the online betting sector.
