High5Games Pulls Plug on Connecticut Casino Amid Settlement Deal
June 2, 2025 Publisher
suspend its service provider license in March 2025.
Although High5Games is a licensed content supplier for Connecticut’s legal iGaming platforms—DraftKings and FanDuel—it had also operated High5Casino as a standalone sweepstakes platform, which state regulators deemed illegal. After the company agreed to cease these operations, its license was reinstated on May 22, 2025.
Consumer Refunds and Enforcement Funding Make Up Settlement
As part of the agreement, High5Games has committed to repaying nearly $1.5 million. This total includes $643,000 in restitution for 794 Connecticut residents who suffered financial losses through High5Casino. An additional $800,000 will be allocated toward consumer protection efforts, education programs, complaint resolution, and enforcement initiatives.
“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 D 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.”
The investigation also found that some affected players were enrolled in Connecticut’s voluntary self-exclusion program, making the platform’s operation a direct violation of state gambling laws. While High5Games did not it wrongdoing, Connecticut authorities agreed to forgo further legal action in exchange for the settlement and compliance commitments.
Regulatory Violations and Broader Industry Scrutiny
High5Games is no stranger to regulatory conflict. The company has previously faced legal setbacks in other states. Notably, it was hit with a $25 million penalty in Washington following a class-action suit over illegal sweepstakes gaming. It has also withdrawn its services from six U.S. states and stopped accepting new s in Canada.
“High5 Casino is just one of many sweepstakes operators that have come under fire from state regulators in recent months,” according to multiple sources. Other jurisdictions, including Michigan, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, have also moved to restrict unlicensed gaming activity, while New York is considering legislative measures to ban social casinos altogether.
Kris Gilman, Director of the D Gaming Division, emphasized the importance of upholding regulatory standards: “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. 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.”
As part of its compliance obligations, High5Games will submit quarterly regulatory reports through April 2026.
Source:
“Department of Consumer Protection Announces Settlement with High5Games over Operation of Illegal Online Casino” portal.ct.gov, May 29, 2025
