Content supplier and sweeps casino operator High 5 Games has indicated that it is looking to find a resolution with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) after the agency suspended its license in the state. The DCP’s action came in light of High 5 Casino’s continued service of Connecticut customers after a similar business, Virtual Gaming Worlds, was ordered out of the market. However, the license suspension impacts its role as a provider of slots to the state’s two real-money casinos, DraftKings and Mohegan Sun.
As of Monday, players at the two online casinos in the state can no longer access High 5 Games’ content, which includes long-time favorite slots like the Da Vinci Diamonds series and new releases like Hootie’s Fortune.
The DCP confirmed this to Bonus, while also suggesting that High 5 Games could potentially have its supplier’s license restored, depending on the outcome of the investigation and the company’s willingness to accept penalties.
All High5Games content has been removed from both the FanDuel and DraftKings mobile apps in Connecticut. The investigation is ongoing and any decision to reinstate the credential would be made following the conclusion of the investigation and High5Games compliance with all Connecticut laws and regulations, as well as any penalties associated with the outcome of the investigation.
DCP’s reasoning for the suspension is that High 5 Games had been operating what it considers to be an illegal casino in the state. The platform in question, High 5 Casino, is a sweepstakes casino that allows users to play for free using two virtual currencies and redeem certain winnings for cash prizes.
Sweepstakes, or sweeps casinos, are available in most US states and operate under federal sweepstakes laws. However, recently, lawmakers and regulators across the country have been scrutinizing them more closely. Several states, including Connecticut, are now looking to regulate or ban the platforms. Amid the growing pressure, High 5 Casino was one of a few sweeps operators exiting iGaming states. The platform also recently updated its Terms and Conditions and Sweepstakes Rules pages. They state that residents of Connecticut and several other states are no longer eligible to play in Sweeps Play mode but only in the for-fun Classic Play mode.
High 5 Games responds, commits to compliance
Shortly after DCP’s decision to suspend its license, High 5 Games responded by issuing a statement to Gaming Insider and other outlets. The company says it is committed to regulatory standards and intends to cooperate fully with the Connecticut regulator to resolve the issue:
High 5 Games has always upheld the highest regulatory standards and remains committed to compliance across all jurisdictions in which we operate. Throughout our 30-year history as an established gaming brand in the US, we have worked closely with regulators to ensure responsible and transparent business practices, offering an experience to our loyal business partners that is both enjoyable and safe.
We pride ourselves on the games we deliver as a B2B supplier to operators in all regulated markets in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Honour, trust and legal compliance will always be cornerstones of our business. We treasure our relationships with all iGaming operators as clients, and we safeguard these relationships with extreme care. We will always continue to work hard to bring the highest value of content to our partners in a reliable, safe way.
We are committed to cooperating with Connecticut regulators to resolve this matter and maintain the integrity of our gaming licenses. Our focus remains on delivering exceptional and innovative gaming experiences while fully complying with all state and country regulations.
High 5 Games’ content is no longer available in CT
Players at Connecticut’s two online casinos, DraftKings Casino and Mohegan Sun Casino, no longer have access to content by High 5 Games. While the company has indicated its intent to cooperate with the DCP, its titles will be unavailable until the regulatory issue is resolved.
The statement indicates that the two parties could reach a solution(potentially a fine). That would allow High 5 Games’ content to return to the casinos. However, until the investigation is over, players won’t be able to access popular High 5 Games. That includes several Da Vinci Diamonds slots such as Da Vinci Diamonds Extreme and Da Vinci Power Bet. Other popular slots by the developer include:
- Secrets of the Forest
- Dangerous Beauty
- Golden Knight
- Midnight Eclipse
- Platinum Goddess
- Beti the Yeti
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