Connecticut has suspended the license of online gaming services provider High5Games after officials determined the company was operating an unlicensed online casino, High5Casino, in violation of state law, the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) announced Friday.
According to the DCP, 1,100 Connecticut customers deposited and wagered on the illegal platform, which was falsely marketed as a legal, state-approved online casino. The agency said it would file 1,065 criminal counts of illegal gaming activity against High5Games.
Authorities said High5Games deceived players into believing they were participating in a regulated gaming platform while also accepting bets from individuals on the state’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion List, a program designed to protect problem gamblers from accessing legal gambling services.
“High5Games took advantage of their credential to mislead consumers into believing they were participating in gaming on a legal platform when, in fact, they were breaking the law,” said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli in a statement.
The DCP said: “911 customers lost a total of $937,938, and 108 were individuals who had signed up for the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List. Customers on the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List lost nearly $300,000 on the platform.”
DCP officials confirmed they would seek restitution for affected consumers and would pursue criminal charges against High5Games. Under Connecticut law, each violation is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $2,000 fine per charge.
Connecticut currently allows only two licensed online casino operators: FanDuel (affiliated with Mohegan Sun) and DraftKings (affiliated with Foxwoods Casino). As a result of the enforcement action, all High5Games content will be removed from these platforms, the DCP said.
Regulators emphasized that only licensed operators are permitted to offer iGaming services in Connecticut and urged residents to verify gaming platforms before placing wagers.
“High 5 Games has always upheld the highest regulatory standards and remains committed to compliance across all jurisdictions in which we operate,” the company responded to the allegations. “Throughout our 30-year history as an established gaming brand in the US, we have worked closely with regulators to ensure responsible and transparent business practices.”
“We are committed to cooperating with Connecticut regulators to resolve this matter and maintain the integrity of our gaming licenses. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional and innovative gaming experiences while fully complying with all state and country regulations.”
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/03/18/98588-connecticut-suspends-high5games-license-over-illegal-online-casino-allegations
