High 5 Games has officially withdrawn its online casino operations in Connecticut following a regulatory investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division into alleged unlicensed online casino activity. This decision arrives as the supplier reaches a settlement totalling nearly $1.5m with the state.
As part of the settlement, High 5 Games will pay $800,000 to support consumer protection initiatives and educational compliance programs. An additional $643,000 will be refunded to players who incurred losses through the unlicensed High5Casino platform. The case has raised concerns within the casino studio online landscape about the importance of robust licensing frameworks, especially as more suppliers and game developers look to enter regulated US markets.
Although the company’s operator licence has been suspended, High 5 Games continues to function as a licensed content supplier in Connecticut. The move marks a strategic shift, as the company now focuses on supporting legal operators, possibly including those offering live dealer and Evolution games within regulated platforms.
DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in the gaming industry, stating: “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.”
Kris Gilman, Director of the DCP Gaming Division, reinforced this position, emphasising the department’s efforts in upholding fairness within the licensed market: “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.”
With just two licensed operators currently active in the state—FanDuel and DraftKings—the Connecticut online gaming market remains highly selective. For companies exploring casinos for sale or planning to establish a presence through roulette low cost live studio solutions or live studio offerings, strict compliance is crucial.
This is not High 5 Games’ first regulatory challenge in North America. In July, following an expansion with Caesars Digital in West Virginia, the company faced a $25m penalty in Washington state for its involvement in unauthorised social casino operations. More recently, in February, High 5 withdrew its sweepstakes services from six US states and halted new user registrations in Canada—an apparent recalibration of its regulatory approach.
As the casino studio online market continues to evolve, especially with demand for live dealer experiences and integration of high-performing Evolution games, the High 5 case underscores the risks of operating outside licensed boundaries. It serves as a cautionary tale for game developers and operators aiming to build credibility in a highly scrutinised, legally bound industry.
