$1.5M Penalty Follows Unlicensed Operations Investigation
High 5 Games has officially ceased its online casino operations in Connecticut following a probe by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division into alleged unlicensed activity. The move comes as part of a regulatory settlement that included a $1.5 million financial penalty and restitution to affected consumers.
The investigation found that High 5 had been operating its High5Casino platform in Connecticut without proper licensing, prompting the state to suspend its operating credentials in March 2025. The company has since agreed to withdraw its online casino services entirely from the state.
Penalty Breakdown: Consumers to Receive Restitution
As part of the settlement, High 5 Games will return $643,000 to consumers who lost money through the unauthorized sweepstakes platform. An additional $800,000 will be paid to the state to support consumer protection efforts, compliance enforcement, and educational initiatives.
Despite the online casino shutdown, High 5 Games remains active in Connecticut as a licensed supplier, meaning it can still offer its gaming content through third-party operators that are compliant with state law.
Regulators Applaud Consumer Protection Outcome
Speaking on the matter, DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli praised the Gaming Division’s efforts:
“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.”
Echoing this sentiment, DCP Gaming Division Director Kris Gilman emphasized the state’s commitment to fairness:
“We are satisfied with the outcome… When violations do occur, we make every effort to ensure consumers are made whole.”
A Pattern of Regulatory Clashes
This is not High 5 Games’ first regulatory stumble in North America. The company faced a $25 million penalty in Washington state last year for offering illegal social casino services and more recently withdrew sweepstakes offerings from six U.S. states and stopped accepting new Canadian profiles.
The latest Connecticut case highlights growing regulatory scrutiny over grey-market gambling products, particularly in states with tightly controlled markets. FanDuel and DraftKings remain the only two licensed online casino operators legally permitted to operate in Connecticut.
Looking Ahead
High 5 Games issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to regulatory standards and compliance across its active jurisdictions. While its brand reputation has taken a hit, the company’s continued operation as a supplier in Connecticut signals a willingness to cooperate and maintain its footprint through legal channels.
The Connecticut case underscores the state’s zero-tolerance approach to unauthorized gambling platforms—and the importance for gaming companies to secure full regulatory approval before offering services to consumers.
