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.
Contesto normativo e industriale
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.
Dichiarazioni da funzionari
Bryan T. Cafferelli, Commissario DCP:
"Siamo lieti che i consumatori del Connecticut che sono stati inopportunamente attirati a scommettere su una piattaforma priva di licenza siano stati risarciti e che questa società abbia cessato le operazioni del suo casinò privo di licenza nel Connecticut".
Kris Gilman, direttore della Divisione Giochi della DCP:
"Siamo soddisfatti dell'esito di questa indagine, che ha portato alla restituzione del denaro ai clienti danneggiati dal funzionamento non autorizzato di un casinò di lotterie senza licenza".
L'accordo di High 5 Games con il Connecticut invia un chiaro messaggio: i funzionari dello Stato sono vigili nel far rispettare le normative sul gioco e nel proteggere i giocatori. Le aziende e i fornitori devono garantire la piena conformità alle leggi locali, poiché le autorità di regolamentazione sono pronte a prendere provvedimenti decisivi contro qualsiasi attività non autorizzata o illegale nel settore delle scommesse online.
