The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) announced yesterday (29 May) that it had reached an agreement with the online gaming content provider and its affiliate, High 5 Entertainment, after an investigation concluded the companies had operated the High 5 Casino platform in violation of Connecticut gaming laws.

The state alleged that the companies used a sweepstakes model in an attempt to skirt licensing requirements, offering online casino-style games to consumers without state approval.

Although High 5 Games is licensed in Connecticut to supply online slot content to legal gaming platforms, the DCP suspended its licence in March after uncovering the unauthorised activity.

The company has since shut down access to its casino site within Connecticut and implemented geofencing technology designed to block state residents from accessing the platform, even when using VPNs or proxies.

In recognition of the company’s cooperation throughout the investigation, the DCP reinstated High 5 Games’ licence on 22 May.

“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.”

 

Settlement includes consumer restitution

 

As part of the settlement, the company will return more than $643,000 to 794 users who lost money on the High 5 Casino platform.

An independent third-party administrator will handle the reimbursement process, notifying affected users by mail or email before sending payments to the addresses associated with their accounts.

Any funds that remain unclaimed after six months will escheat to the state under Connecticut law.

In addition to the consumer restitution, High 5 Entertainment will also pay nearly $800,000 into the state’s Consumer Protection Enforcement Fund.

That amount includes over $294,000 in profits derived from users who had placed themselves on the state’s voluntary self-exclusion list, and an additional $500,000 to support consumer protection programmes 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 Kris Gilman, director of the DCP’s gaming division.

“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.”

 

Quarterly compliance reporting

 

Under the terms of the agreement, High 5 Games has also committed to quarterly compliance reporting through April 2026.

These reports must confirm that both the geofencing and licensing restrictions remain in effect, and include any updates to their technology providers.

The company further agreed not to offer or license games to any sweepstakes casino operators serving Connecticut residents unless explicitly approved by the state.

Although the companies did not admit any legal violations as part of the settlement, the DCP confirmed that it would not pursue further disciplinary action, and that High 5 Games’ licence remains in good standing.

The agency emphasised that the only two licensed online casino platforms in Connecticut are DraftKings, through its partnership with Foxwoods, and FanDuel, through Mohegan Sun.

 

 

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