Connecticut reached a settlement with a gaming company that the state determined was operating illegally.
Key Takeaways
- High5Games also ceased offering its sweepstakes casino in the Constitution State.
- An investigation by Connecticut regulators found that the gaming company circumvented state laws.
- High5Games’ service provider license was reinstated following the agreement.
High5Games agreed to cease offering its iGaming site High5 Casino in the Constitution State and pay out nearly $1.5 million as part of the settlement, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division announced Thursday.
The two sides agreed a month after Connecticut regulators stripped High5Games of its service provider license. An investigation found that the sweepstakes company was circumventing the law to operate High5 Casino.
High5Games has agreed to pay $643,000 in restitution to 794 consumers. Another $800,000 goes to the state to use for consumer resolution programs, education, protection enforcement, and litigation.
“We are satisfied with the outcome of this investigation, which has resulted in the return of funds to consumers who were harmed by the unfair marketing of an unlicensed sweepstakes casino,” said DCP gaming division director Kris Gilman. “If you’re going to gamble, Connecticut is the best state to place a wager. We work hard to ensure fairness in our licensed market, and when violations do occur, we make every effort to make sure consumers are made whole.”
Legal gaming market
Following the agreement, Connecticut regulators reinstated the company’s service provider license on May 22. High5Games makes several online slot games that are used by the Constitution State’s two legal iGaming operators, FanDuel and DraftKings.
The Department of Consumer Protection found that High5Games cost residents more than $1 million in illegal casino losses, including from players on the state’s voluntary self-exclusion list, which violates Connecticut law. The company was facing serious criminal charges, and while it didn’t admit to breaking any laws, Connecticut agreed not to pursue legal action.
High5Games is also committed to providing quarterly compliance reports through April 2026
“This case is just one example of the hard work our Gaming Division does to ensure a fair, safe, and legal gaming market in Connecticut,” said DCP commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. “We are pleased the Connecticut consumers who were lured into placing wagers on an unlicensed platform will be made whole, and that this company has ceased operations of its unlicensed casino in Connecticut.”
Under fire
High5Games has been banned from operating its sweepstakes casino in 13 U.S. states. The company recently lost a class-action case in Washington State, forcing the company to pay out $25 million after a jury determined the operator engaged in illegal business practices.
High5 Casino is just one of many sweepstakes operators that have come under fire from state regulators in recent months. Michigan, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are among a group of jurisdictions that have joined Connecticut in a battle against unlicensed and unregulated online casinos.
Some states, like New York, are trying to pass legislation that would ban social casinos and sportsbooks from operating. Sweepstakes gaming companies offer free virtual currency or coins to play similar games found at legal operators, but users can purchase more coins and redeem them for cash and prizes.
