Casino operator MGM Resorts International, which owns MGM Springfield, said Tuesday that resorts are open and an investigation is continuing after what it called a “cybersecurity issue” that led to the shutdown of computer systems at company properties across the U.S.
Guests have shared stories on social media about not being able to make credit card transactions, obtain money from cash machines and enter hotel rooms using key cards. Some images showed video slot machines that have gone dark.
As of 6:17 tonight, MGM Springfield’s website was still down. Likewise, other company websites remained “unavailable” Tuesday. The local MGM site listed a link for Ticketmaster for shows and suggested to download its MGM Rewards app.
A spokesperson for MGM Springfield did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening. On Wednesday, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission plans to talk about a cybersecurity issue at MGM Resorts, according to its agenda. It likely will be discussed in an executive session, meaning a discussion held behind closed doors.
In an executive session in late August, the commission discussed a letter about safety and security at MGM Springfield. It’s not clear if that letter is related to the company’s recent cybersecurity problem.
The FBI characterized the investigation as ongoing. Special Agent Mark Neria, spokesperson for the bureau in Las Vegas, said no additional information is available.
Las Vegas-based MGM Resorts said the event started Sunday, and that it shut down “certain systems” in efforts to protect data. It did not call it a cyberattack nor specify which systems were affected. It said reservations and casino floors in Massachusetts, Nevada, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York and Ohio were affected.
Late Monday, the company posted a statement saying that “resorts, including dining, entertainment and gaming are currently operational,” and that “guests remain able to access their hotel rooms and our front desk staff is ready to assist … as needed.”
“Bottom line, our customers are being served,” company spokesperson Brian Ahern told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
A post on the company’s BetMGM website in Nevada acknowledged that some customers were unable to log on. Users from other states were able to access the site.
The company operates tens of thousands of hotel rooms in Las Vegas at its flagship MGM Grand and properties including Bellagio, Aria, New York-New York and Mandalay Bay. It also operates resorts in China and Macau.
