Connecticut Cracks Down on Illegal Online Casino

Key Takeaways:

• High5Games' license suspended for operating an unlicensed online casino platform
• 1,100 Connecticut customers affected, including those on self-exclusion lists
• DCP seeking restitution for eligible consumers and pursuing criminal charges

Connecticut authorities have taken decisive action against High5Games, a licensed service provider in the state's online gaming industry. The company, known for developing online slot content for legal platforms, has been accused of operating an unlicensed online casino called High5Casino.

The DCP's investigation revealed that 1,100 Connecticut residents made deposits and gambled on this unauthorized platform. More alarmingly, the company allegedly marketed High5Casino as a legal, licensed entity, misleading consumers and accepting wagers from individuals who had voluntarily self-excluded from gambling activities.

DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli stated, "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."

The financial impact of this illegal operation is substantial. According to the DCP, 911 customers lost a total of $937,938, with 108 of these individuals being on the Voluntary Self-Exclusion List. These self-excluded players alone lost nearly $300,000 on the platform.

In response to these violations, the DCP is pursuing multiple avenues of action. The department will seek restitution for eligible consumers who lost money due to the misrepresentation. Additionally, criminal charges are being pursued, with High5Games facing 1,065 counts of conducting illegal gaming activity. Each charge is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.

The DCP has emphasized that only two platforms are currently licensed to accept iCasino wagers from Connecticut customers: FanDuel, affiliated with Mohegan Sun, and DraftKings, affiliated with Foxwoods Casino. As part of the regulatory action, any games provided by High5Games to these legal platforms will be removed.

This incident underscores the importance of strict regulation in the online gambling industry and the need for consumers to verify the legitimacy of online casino platforms before engaging in play. It also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by regulators in maintaining the integrity of the online gambling market and protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly those who have taken steps to self-exclude from gambling activities.