High 5 Games to Discontinue Sweepstakes Services in Six U.S. States

High 5 Games, a prominent name in the online gaming industry, has announced the discontinuation of its sweepstakes operations in six U.S. states. As part of this decision, the company’s High 5 Casino platform will no longer be available for sweepstakes play in certain jurisdictions, with a complete shutdown set for March 14, 2025.

High 5 Casino Sweepstakes Platform Closure

The company has already begun phasing out its sweepstakes services. As of February 18, 2025, High 5 Casino stopped accepting new sweepstakes players and halted purchases in Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Current s in these states have until March 14, 2025, to redeem any remaining sweepstakes coins before their s are permanently closed.

Additionally, High 5 Games has announced that Canadian residents will be affected as well. While new player registrations in Canada ceased on February 3, 2025, existing players will retain access until February 28, 2025, after which all s will be closed.

Despite the discontinuation of sweepstakes offerings, High 5 Casino Classic Play will remain available in these states, ensuring players can still access non-sweepstakes gaming options. Meanwhile, other states such as Michigan, Nevada, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Montana, and Washington were already designated as territories where sweepstakes services were not offered.

Legal Challenges and Business Impact

The timing of this decision coincides with a recent legal development in Washington, where High 5 Games faced a major lawsuit. A state jury recently ruled against the company, awarding $24.9 million in damages over allegations that its social casino platform violated Washington’s gaming laws. Although High 5 Games has not explicitly linked the decision to withdraw sweepstakes services to this legal battle, the overlap in timing suggests a potential correlation.

In response to the legal ruling, High 5 Games has stated that all in-game purchases made within Washington will be voided and refunded. However, the company will deduct a 10% istrative fee from these refunds.

Despite these legal hurdles, High 5 Games remains a key player in the online gaming market, maintaining strong partnerships with major operators such as DraftKings and BetMGM.

Growing Regulatory Scrutiny on Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes-based gaming platforms operate in a legal gray area across multiple states, as they allow s to buy virtual currency, which in some cases can be exchanged for real-world prizes. This model has drawn increased scrutiny, prompting some states to consider regulatory action.

Several states, including Connecticut, Maryland, and Mississippi, have debated legislative measures to impose stricter regulations or outright bans on sweepstakes casinos. Mississippi has advanced the farthest, with its legislature approving a bill that would fully prohibit sweepstakes casinos, sending it to the House of Representatives for final consideration. Meanwhile, New Jersey lawmakers are looking to clarify the legal status of sweepstakes casinos and potentially regulate them under the same framework as online casinos and sports betting platforms.

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, High 5 Games’ withdrawal from the sweepstakes market in multiple states marks a significant shift for the company and highlights the broader legal and legislative pressures facing the industry.

Source:

‘’HIGH 5 CASINO OF USE’’, high5casino.com, February 18, 2025.