Connecticut Cracks Down on High5Games for Illegal Gambling

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s (DCP) Gaming Division has suspended the license of High5Games, a licensed online gaming service provider, following an investigation that revealed the company was running an unlicensed online platform, High5Casino. Authorities are considering legal action since the operation reportedly affected hundreds of consumers.

Customers Lost Almost a Million

High5Games, known for developing online slot content for DraftKings and FanDuel, the state’s only licensed iGaming operators, allegedly misled Connecticut consumers by promoting High5Casino as a legal gaming website. The platform accepted real-money wagers from state residents, including individuals who registered on the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List, a severe violation of Connecticut’s gaming laws.

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.

Bryan T. Cafferelli, DCP Commissioner 

The DCP Gaming Division’s investigation found that 1,100 Connecticut consumers made deposits and bets at High5Casino and suffered significant financial losses. 911 consumers collectively lost $937,938. More concerningly, 108 self-excluded players faced losses of nearly $300,000. The DCP intends to pursue compensation for affected players, particularly those who lost money believing they were gambling legally.

Responding to these concerning findings, the DCP is seeking criminal charges for 1,065 counts of illegal gaming activity, with each charge classified as a Class A misdemeanor.  If convicted, High5Games executives could face penalties of up to one year behind bars and fines of up to $2,000 per offense.

Connecticut Continues to Prioritize Consumer Safety

As part of its enforcement action, the DCP has suspended High5Games’ gaming service provider license effective immediately, requiring the company to take down all games supplied to DraftKings and FanDuel. Authorities used this incident to remind consumers that the sole licensed online casinos in Connecticut are DraftKings/Foxwoods and FanDuel/Mohegan Sun.

We are disappointed that a licensed gaming service provider took advantage of Connecticut consumers by operating an illegal casino platform.

Kris Gilman, DCP Gaming Division Director 

This newest crackdown aligns with Connecticut’s broader efforts to curb illegal gambling operations. In December, authorities seized six illegal gaming machines and $900 in cash from four locations. State officials stress that such black market operations, including offshore iGaming operators, lack adequate consumer protections and could be related to financial fraud and other types of crime.

Coinciding with continued enforcement and monitoring, lawmakers are reviewing new legislation that aims to enhance gaming regulations, focusing on protecting vulnerable populations from predatory gaming practices. According to a 2024 statewide survey, although only 10% of Connecticut residents engage in sports betting or online casino gaming, the state continues to face gambling addiction challenges.