Normal Operations Resume at MGM Resorts Following Cyberattack
By
Jane Shaw
Senior Editor
Updated: 10/02/2023
We count on Jane to inform our readers about the latest slot games in the US market. With her passion for video games and a degree in engineering, she’s our gambling tech expert. Jane’s also active in our blog section, where she tackles the curiosities and changes in the industry.
Normal Operations Resume at MGM Resorts
It was recently reported that MGM Resorts properties across the United States had been affected by a huge cyberattack, which led to security issues and a wide range of facilities becoming unavailable for use.
This included everything from slot and cash machines to the booking system for MGM Resorts hotels. Naturally, it resulted in a lot of worry for patrons as well as concerns for the operator itself, and an investigation into the cyberattack has been launched.
In the meantime, the operator has now confirmed that normal operations have resumed at its resorts across the United States, including its multiple properties on the Las Vegas Strip.
While the situation did create chaos for several days recently, teams at MGM worked hard to get things back under control, and most operations are now back to normal, according to statements from the company.
MGM Resorts Booking System Still Has Problems
Although the statements confirmed that operations were pretty much back to normal, there do appear to be a few ongoing issues that are still being sorted out. Around ten days after the attack, it was confirmed that while most of the problems were sorted, there were still some issues with the MGM Resorts booking system for reservations.
MGM Rewards customers were among those who were experiencing issues as a result of the cyberattack, but the operator recently confirmed that these problems had now been largely resolved.
The operator said:
Please note that Slot Dollars and FREEPLAY are available at all properties. MGM Rewards members’ accounts will be adjusted to reflect Tier Credits and MGM Rewards points at a later date. MGM Rewards points redemption and certain promotional offers may be unavailable.
It added that more details could be obtained by patrons at the MGM Rewards desk or from the Casino Host.
Some MGM casino resorts appeared to be resolving issues sooner than others based on statements that were released. Excalibur appeared to be a little behind the other MGM resorts when it came to getting operations back on track.
Officials and Experts Say Worst of the Attack Is Over
According to MGM officials and industry experts, the worst of this latest cyberattack appears to be over now.
However, as a precaution, the operator extended a no-fee cancellation offer for those who were booked into the resorts but did not feel comfortable about going ahead with their stay in the period following the cyberattack. It meant that guests with reservations up to September 24 were able to cancel without any penalties.
It was further revealed that the company would disclose information about any longer-term issues caused by the cyberattack in its next quarterly earnings report. Industry officials believe that the cyberattack could end up costing the operator between $20-$40 million in losses.
Cyberattacks on casinos have become increasingly common, and this has become a huge issue for casino operators across the country. Despite many casino resorts taking steps to boost security, cybercriminals have found increasingly sophisticated methods of carrying out their digital crimes.