High 5 Casino exits New York? Platform halts new account registrations
High 5 Casino, a prominent sweepstakes-based online gaming platform, has announced its decision to cease operations in New York State by 10 April 2025. This move is part of a broader trend of sweepstakes casinos reevaluating their presence in various jurisdictions due to evolving regulatory landscapes.
Timeline and user guidance
According to an email sent to its users, High 5 Casino outlined the following schedule for its New York exit:
- 27 March 2025: New account registrations for sweepstakes play in New York were halted.
- 10 April 2025: Existing players will lose access to sweepstakes play.
Players are advised to redeem any remaining virtual currencies and withdraw any winnings before the 10 April deadline. The company has assured users that all account balances will be honoured and that customer support will remain available to assist during this transition.
Regulatory pressures and legal challenges
High 5 Casino’s withdrawal from New York aligns with the increasing regulatory scrutiny faced by sweepstakes casinos nationwide. In February 2025, the platform ceased operations in six states—Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia—where online casino gaming is legally regulated. This decision was influenced by legal challenges, including a nearly $25 million fine imposed by a Washington state court for violating gambling laws.
In March 2025, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection suspended High 5 Games’ license and filed over 1,000 criminal charges against the company, alleging illegal gambling activities. Similarly, Maryland’s gaming authority issued a cease-and-desist letter, claiming unauthorised operations within the state.
Legislative developments in New York
New York lawmakers are also taking steps to address the legality of sweepstakes casinos. Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced a bill aiming to ban such platforms, citing concerns over unregulated gambling activities. If enacted, this legislation would force operators like High 5 Casino, Chumba Casino, and WOW Vegas to exit the New York market.
Industry-wide implications
The withdrawal of High 5 Casino from New York speaks of a broader trend affecting the sweepstakes casino industry. Other operators, such as McLuck and Hello Millions, have also announced their exits from the New York market, reflecting heightened regulatory pressures and legal uncertainties.
