State Regulators Crack Down on Unlicensed Online Gambling, Filing Over 1,000 Criminal Charges Against the Company
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division has revoked High5Games’ license and filed over 1,000 criminal charges after an investigation uncovered that the company ran an unlicensed online casino, misled players, and violated state gambling laws.
State officials found that High5Casino misrepresented itself as a licensed gaming platform, misleading Connecticut players into placing bets. Adding to the severity of the violations, the platform accepted wagers from self-excluded individuals, which directly undermined the state’s problem gambling protections.
With its license now suspended effective immediately, High5Games faces over 1,000 criminal charges and millions in potential fines for operating an unauthorized online casino.
How High5Games Violated Connecticut’s Gaming Laws
This misrepresentation had significant consequences. Connecticut law strictly limits online casino operations to DraftKings (partnered with Foxwoods) and FanDuel (partnered with Mohegan Sun). Any other real-money gaming platform operating in the state is illegal.
A DCP investigation revealed that High5Casino accepted deposits from 1,100 Connecticut players, with 911 users losing nearly $938,000. Even more concerning, 108 of these players were on the state’s Voluntary Self-Exclusion List, yet still lost nearly $300,000 gambling on the platform, a direct violation of Connecticut’s responsible gaming safeguards.
By misleading players into believing they were on a legal gaming site, High5Games directly violated Connecticut’s strict licensing requirements.
Criminal Charges and Penalties Against High5Games
The DCP Gaming Division has filed 1,065 criminal charges against High5Games, making it one of the most aggressive legal actions taken against an online gaming operator in the U.S. Each charge carries serious legal consequences, including:
- Up to one year in jail per count
- Fines of up to $2,000 per violation
If convicted on all counts, High5Games could face millions in fines, potential business restrictions, and further regulatory sanctions in other states.
DCP’s Response: Protecting Consumers from Illegal Gaming
Following the investigation, DCP officials have pledged to seek restitution for Connecticut residents who were misled by High5Casino and suffered financial losses.
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli condemned the company’s actions, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with holding a gaming license:
“Holding a gaming license is a privilege, and we expect our credential holders to take that responsibility seriously. High5Games misled consumers into believing they were participating in gaming on a legal platform when, in fact, they were breaking the law.”
DCP Gaming Division Director Kris Gilman reinforced the importance of using regulated platforms, warning consumers about the risks of illegal gambling sites:
“It is difficult to recover funds for consumers from illegal platforms. Gambling on licensed platforms is the only way to guarantee recovered funds in the event of an issue with a game or platform.”
As a result of the suspension, all High5Games content will be removed from DraftKings and FanDuel’s platforms immediately to prevent further consumer harm.
Industry Impact: A Warning for Other Online Gaming Operators
This case highlights the growing tension between state regulators and online sweepstakes casino gaming operators navigating legal gray areas. With High5Games shutting down in 13 states, the industry is feeling the pressure as more authorities take a closer look at unlicensed platforms. Connecticut officials have made it clear that this isn’t a one-time action—they plan to keep investigating and enforcing regulations, which could spell trouble for other operators skirting the rules.
What Happens Next?
- High5Games’ license suspension is effective immediately.
- All High5Games content will be removed from DraftKings and FanDuel in Connecticut.
- DCP’s investigation remains ongoing, and further legal action could follow.
While the case against High5Games is significant on its own, it also signals a larger shift in how states are handling unregulated online gaming. With regulatory scrutiny tightening, this could be a turning point for how authorities enforce gambling laws in the digital space.
What’s Next for High5Games?
With its license revoked and criminal charges filed, High5Games now faces a critical decision on how to move forward. So far, the company has not publicly responded to the suspension or the allegations against it.
One possible course of action is challenging the suspension in court. High5Games could attempt to argue that its operations were legally sound or that the penalties are excessive. However, with over 1,000 criminal charges and state regulators seeking restitution for affected players, mounting a defense could be a difficult and costly battle.
Alternatively, the company may choose to accept the suspension and shift its focus elsewhere. High5Games has already ceased operations in 13 states, which could indicate an effort to avoid further regulatory scrutiny. If this trend continues, the company may look to restructure or rebrand to stay in business under different legal frameworks.
Whether High5Games challenges the ruling or moves on, the suspension in Connecticut marks a significant moment for the company. How it responds in the coming months may shape its future in the online gaming industry.