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.
규제 및 산업 맥락
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.
공식의 성명
브라이언 T. 카페렐리, DCP 위원장:
“무면허 플랫폼에 부적절하게 유인되어 베팅을 한 코네티컷 소비자들이 전액 보상받게 되었으며, 해당 회사가 코네티컷 내 무면허 카지노 운영을 중단하게 되어 기쁘게 생각합니다.”
크리스 길먼, DCP 게임 부서 책임자:
“무면허 추첨형 카지노의 무단 운영으로 피해를 입은 고객들에게 자금을 반환하는 결과를 낳은 이번 조사 결과에 만족합니다.”
하이 5 게임스와 코네티컷 간의 이 합의는 주 당국이 게임 규정을 엄격히 시행하고 플레이어를 보호하기 위해 경계하고 있음을 분명히 보여줍니다. 기업과 제공업체들은 규제 기관이 온라인 베팅 분야의 모든 무단 또는 불법 활동에 대해 단호히 대처할 준비가 되어 있으므로, 현지 법률을 완전히 준수해야 합니다.
