MGM Resorts is dealing with a cybersecurity issue affecting its hospitality, gaming and entertainment properties across the US. That includes its lone property in Massachusetts, MGM Springfield.
Since the issue, MGM Springfield’s website went down. As a result, MGM is urging customers to book rooms and request reservations through the MGM Rewards App. At one point, they asked customers to use a phone number.
The full extent of the cybersecurity issue on the popular Massachusetts casino is still unknown. However, the company said in a social media post that MGM Springfield’s dining, entertainment and gaming options are all available.
MGM Springfield website is currently unavailable
Media outlets first began reporting on the “cybersecurity issue” over the weekend. Details are still vague, but it’s impacting anything electronic. At some casinos, certain slot machines are unavailable. Additionally, it affected all of the company’s credit card transactions and computer systems nationwide.
In MGM’s initial statement, the company explained that after detecting the issue, they reached out for help.
“We quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts,” the company said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The company said the issue was ongoing, but its casino gaming floors were still operational. MGM added that they are continuing to work diligently to resolve this issue.
The MGM Springfield website has been down since the start of the issue. As of Tuesday evening, it’s still not functional.
If you attempt to go to the website, you are met with the following message: “The MGM Springfield website is currently unavailable. For restaurant options and reservations, please download the MGM Rewards App. For tickets, please visit Ticketmaster. Thank you for your patience.”
PlayMA reached out to MGM Springfield for comment but did not receive a response yet.
However, a guest at MGM Grand in Las Vegas told CNN that visitors could not charge purchases to their rooms, that digital hotel room keys were not working and that restaurants were taking only cash. That could be an indication of what could be happening at MGM Springfield.
FBI is looking into the possibility of a cyberattack
MGM has not elaborated on what systems were affected or how the incident may have occurred. Furthermore, it hasn’t referred to it as a cyberattack.
However, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the company has contacted law enforcement and the FBI to investigate the matter.
In July, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission adopted stricter cybersecurity measures for large, publicly traded companies. Now, companies must report a significant breach within four business days. However, the requirement won’t be in effect until December.
MGM operates several properties in the US, including MGM Springfield in Massachusetts and the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It also has properties in China.
State regulators appear ready to take action
Meanwhile, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission announced an impromptu meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the MGM situation. The commission will meet Wednesday morning at 11:30 a.m.
It’s unclear what steps the commission will take, but the assumption is that they will have many questions about the details of the situation and if customer information may have been compromised.
