Caesars Palace and MGM Resorts International Hit by Cyberattacks, No Disruption in Casino Operations

In a concerning turn of events for the Las Vegas gambling industry, Caesars Entertainment has revealed that it fell victim to a cyberattack, following similar news from rival company MGM Resorts International. Although both companies have suffered data breaches, they assured federal regulators that their casino and online operations remain undisturbed.

Caesars Entertainment, a publicly traded company based in Reno, reported the cyberattack to the federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The breach occurred on September 7, and while the company believes unauthorized actors may have accessed personal information, including driver's license and Social Security numbers of loyalty rewards members, they stated they could not guarantee the security of this data. Caesars is taking steps to ensure that the stolen data is deleted, but they cannot guarantee this outcome.

Caesars Entertainment, the world's largest casino owner, has over 65 million Caesars Rewards members and operates properties in 18 states, as well as Canada, under well-known brands such as Caesars, Harrah’s, Horseshoe, and Eldorado. They also have mobile and online operations, along with sports betting services. The company is currently constructing a $650 million resort in the Schoolfield area, with its temporary Danville Casino already in operation.

The casino giant has emphasized that the breach has not impacted its casino operations or online services, which continue to function without disruption. While there is no evidence that the intruder obtained member passwords or sensitive financial information, Caesars Entertainment is offering credit monitoring and identity theft protection to loyalty program customers affected by the incident.

MGM Resorts International, the largest casino company in Las Vegas, had previously reported a cyberattack on Monday, leading to the shutdown of computer systems at its properties across the United States. This move was taken as a precaution to safeguard data. The impact of the attack extended to reservations and casino floors, with customers reporting difficulties in making credit card transactions, accessing cash machines, and entering hotel rooms. MGM Resorts has around 40 million loyalty rewards members and a significant presence in Las Vegas, China, Macau, and other locations.

Both Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International have reported the cyberattacks to the SEC. Investigations into these incidents are ongoing, with the FBI actively involved in the process.

As of now, some of MGM Resorts' computer systems remain offline, including hotel reservations and payroll. However, the company has assured that its 75,000 employees in the United States and abroad will receive their pay on time.

These developments underline the increasing threat of cyberattacks on major corporations and the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive customer data and maintain business continuity.