Connecticut settles sweepstakes dispute with High 5 Games in recent legal action
Going Clean in the Nutmeg State: High 5 Entertainment Settles with Connecticut's Consumer Protection Department
After a fierce investigation, High 5 Entertainment - the brains behind High 5 Games - has agreed to cough up a hefty sum of $1.5 million to Connecticut, settling allegations that they supplied games to sweepstakes platforms, a clear breach of local law.
Connecticut's Iron Fist Falls on Sweepstakes Operators
This settlement requires High 5 Entertainment to shell out $643,000 to 794 users and another cool million to the state's Consumer Protection Enforcement Fund. As Kris Gilman, Connecticut's gaming division director, put it, "We've scored a win, returning funds to consumers who were taken for a ride with the shady marketing of an unlicensed sweepstakes casino."
The crackdown on sweepstakes operators is the latest twist in this saga, with lawmakers across the U.S. stepping up their game. In New York, the operator behind Chumba Casino and several other brands, VGW, has been forced to pull the plug on its sweepstakes operations, which will officially close shop by August 1, 2025.
The DCP accused High 5 Entertainment of partnering with websites operating outside Connecticut's legal framework, even though sweepstakes aren't officially recognized as a form of gambling. However, with Connecticut inching closer to passing a law that could reclassify sweepstakes as gambling, things might change soon.
Commissioner Cafferlli's Victory Dance
Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferlli applauded the settlement as a testament to the DCP's resolve to protect consumers:
"This case is proof positive of the tireless work our gaming division carries out to ensure a fair, safe, and legal gaming market in Connecticut. We're thrilled that Connecticut consumers who were lured into gambling on an unlicensed platform will be reimbursed, and that High 5 Games has ceased operations of its unlicensed casino in Connecticut."
High 5 Games: Business as Usual (Almost)
High 5 Games isn't entirely heading for the exit in Connecticut. While the DCP won't be suspending the platform's license, High 5 Games will need to submit quarterly reports detailing the companies they're currently doing business with in the state.
High 5 Games can only supply its games to locally licensed online casinos, and sweepstakes are off the table.
Enrichment Insights
- High 5 Games' online casino in Connecticut was initially suspended as a service provider on March 14, 2025, due to alleged violations related to the operation of its unlicensed online casino, High5Casino. However, the settlement has resulted in the reinstatement of their online gaming service provider license, effective May 22, 2025.
- High 5 Games has ceased operations of its online casino in Connecticut and has implemented geo-fencing to block access from the state.
- The company is no longer facing criminal charges in Connecticut and is currently licensed to operate as an online gaming service provider, complying with state regulations. No ongoing criminal or civil enforcement is related to this matter.
Connecticut's Consumer Protection Department is moving forward in the regulation of gambling, as they have now entered into a sports-betting partnership with High 5 Entertainment. In light of the settlement, High 5 Games will supply legal sports-betting services in the Nutmeg State, while also adhering to the local gaming framework.
