Is High 5 Casino legit? Legal? Safe? Sweepstakes Casino
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Nov 14, 2024
,
11:49 a.m.
ET
High 5 Casino, an established online gambling platform, has attracted a significant user base interested in playing casino-style games from the comfort of home. Operating under the increasingly popular sweepstakes model, High 5 Casino allows users the option to play without directly depositing or wagering real money.
Here, we explore High 5 Casino’s legal standing, potential risks and how platforms like these fit into the broader online gaming landscape.
What is High 5 Casino?
High 5 Casino was launched by High 5 Games, a major gaming software developer since 1995, which initially focused on creating games for brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Established as a sweepstakes casino in 2012, High 5 Casino offers a range of casino games, including slots, table games and live-dealer games. The platform’s structure uses three virtual currencies to allow players to enjoy the gaming experience with the optionality of no direct financial risk:
Game Coins – free-play currency for gaming only.
Sweeps Coins – a redeemable currency for cash prizes.
Diamonds – currency for extra spins and other bonuses.
Users earn these currencies through various promotions, daily login bonuses and a referral system, which allows them to enjoy an engaging experience, even without financial investment. Each player must verify their identity using a government-issued ID, aligning with the casino’s Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols to prevent fraud.
Is High 5 Casino a legal, legitimate casino operator?
High 5 Casino operates as a sweepstakes-based gambling platform, a model historically recognized under U.S. law and regulated in states where sweepstakes betting is allowed. However, the legal standing of model sweepstakes gambling platforms is a matter of hot debate, with multiple states recently cracking down on what they view as unregulated gambling (both casino and sports betting) products.
For legal clarification, it’s important to understand that sweepstakes casinos don’t require users to make deposits to play. That is a key piece of claims that they operate under sweepstakes law. With that option, High 5 aims to avoid the classification of a traditional online casino, instead functioning as a “social casino” for which sweepstakes law should apply.
High 5 Casino offers a free-play model with an Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), allowing users to earn currencies like Sweeps Coins via mail-in entries, without purchase. This practice complies with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines requiring free-entry options for sweepstakes platforms to legally operate.
As the debate around the legality of sweepstakes gambling platforms heats up in some states like California, it will be worth monitoring how well these legal arguments hold up in what appears to be headed to the courtroom soon.
Where is High 5 Casino available? Which states?
High 5 Casino is currently available in all U.S. states except Idaho, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada and Washington. This sweepstakes model is widely accepted in most states, making it an option for players nationwide.
States like New York, California, Texas and Florida allow social casinos, as they’re considered entertainment platforms due to the absence of required deposits. However, sweepstakes casinos are banned in Michigan and Washington. In Idaho, you are not allowed to exchange coins for money or real-world prizes, making it solely for entertainment, so High 5 does not operate there.
How old do you have to be to play games on High 5 Casino?
To play at High 5 Casino, users must be at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in their state of residence. This age restriction is part of High 5’s “Know Your Customer” (KYC) process, which includes identity verification to ensure compliance with legal standards and to provide age-appropriate access.
What is Sweepstakes Betting?
Sweepstakes betting allows platforms like High 5 Casino to operate under distinct legal guidelines. Unlike traditional sports betting, which requires direct wagering with real money, sweepstakes betting enables users to enjoy games using virtual coins with a no-purchase-necessary option.
This legal framework provides the Alternative Method of Entry (AMOE), ensuring that users can participate without spending money. Sweepstakes sites offer two main virtual currencies: coins for entertainment and Sweeps Coins, which can often be redeemed for prizes or cash. This method enables sites to provide free gameplay alongside potential real rewards, creating a unique blend of risk-free enjoyment and incentivized play.
Sweepstakes gambling facing legal scrutiny in U.S.
Dual-currency models can sometimes blur the lines between virtual and real money, which may lead some users to overspend in pursuit of winning real-world prizes. Additionally, some players may underestimate the financial risks associated with buying virtual currency that can later be redeemed.
Growing popularity and limited regulations have also attracted scrutiny from groups like the American Gaming Association (AGA). The AGA has voiced concerns over potential shortcomings in responsible gaming protocols, insufficient age-verification procedures and a lack of consumer protections. The AGA highlights that the lack of regulations in this sector can allow for exploitative practices, leading states such as Delaware and Connecticut to impose strict enforcement measures on non-compliant sweepstakes platforms.
Dangers and risks of High 5 Casino and sweepstakes betting
While High 5 Casino presents an attractive, accessible gaming model, potential users should consider the risks involved with sweepstakes gaming. One concern is that social casinos can lead to problematic gaming behaviors, particularly for younger users who may engage in free-to-play gaming and develop unhealthy gambling habits.
Research shows that younger users are at higher risk of developing gambling addictions, as their decision-making faculties are still maturing. The dual-currency system may also contribute to misunderstanding the financial implications, especially for younger and vulnerable players. And lastly, there is a general lack of consumer protections with sweepstakes casinos where players may have limited recourse in the face of a dispute.
Gambling Addiction treatment for online casino players
If you or someone you know is struggling with sweepstakes or online casino gaming, help is available. Birches Health offers a range of support options. Birches Health’s team of certified, specially trained counselors provides personalized treatment for online gaming and gambling addiction, offering help for individuals to regain control. Depending on your situation, you can get started at Birches in one of the following ways:
Alternatively, you can simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch directly with the Birches team!
