Posted on: October 21, 2023, 08:51h.
Last updated on: October 21, 2023, 08:51h.
The New York Gaming Commission reveals that multiple casinos in the state experienced disruption due to a temporary closure caused by a cybersecurity incident affecting their video lottery terminals (VLTs). These terminals, resembling slot machines, operate on the state’s lottery central system in Schenectady.
VLTs, operating as Las Vegas-style slot machines, are interconnected and generate winning or losing results based on lottery simulations. The network is designed to distribute winnings at a predetermined rate, with the timing of these wins dependent on the overall network’s operations across all nine VLT properties.
Everi Holdings is responsible for managing the VLT system on behalf of the New York Gaming Commission. According to state gaming regulators, a cyber incident involving Everi caused the recent network disruption.
The New York Gaming Commission spokesperson, Brad Maione, stated, “On Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, Everi, the licensed operator of New York’s video lottery gaming central system, experienced a cybersecurity event that remains under investigation.”
Jake’s 58, located on Long Island, was the most affected by the incident, resulting in the temporary closure of its gaming floor and over 1,000 VLT machines on Tuesday, Oct. 17. However, the casino has resumed its gaming operations as of yesterday.
Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (Suffolk OTB) owns and operates Jake’s 58. The company is currently undertaking a $200 million expansion project that will double the number of gaming positions to 2,000 seats. The project also includes the addition of new restaurants and bars, a parking garage, and a sound barrier to minimize noise impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Insufficient Information
The New York Gaming Commission has stated that there is no evidence indicating any unauthorized access to customer information during the cybersecurity incident. However, details regarding the specific nature of the event, such as the potential involvement of a criminal hacking group or the occurrence of a ransom demand, have not been disclosed by the state.
The gaming industry remains on high alert following recent cyberattacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. Scattered Spider, a multinational hacking group, has claimed responsibility for those incidents, allegedly resulting in the seizure of approximately 39 million document pages or six terabytes of data.
A reader of Casino.org reported encountering issues at another VLT property, Vernon Downs, during the same week. However, the reader’s complaints were not addressed.
Daniel Gremillion, Sr. shared his experience, stating, “I was playing a slot machine that wasn’t recognizing my player’s card. I spent a significant amount of time playing without earning any points. When the floor attendant finally came over, I expressed my concerns. Her response was, ‘We are aware of the problem.'”
Investigation in Progress
Everi Holdings has not provided any comments regarding the cybersecurity incident. However, as a publicly traded company in the US, it is required by securities regulations to disclose any ransom payments, if made.
Many players at VLT casinos across the state are demanding answers regarding the incident and whether they need to take steps to safeguard their personal information.
Earl Gray, a local resident, expressed his opinion, stating, “I think they should tell us what’s the matter. It’s a public place. Tell us what’s the problem.”
Carole D’Amato, a Shirley resident, remarked, “Something is serious for them to close this long.”