Cybersecurity Attack Disrupts Operations at Two Nevada Casinos

Cyberattacks on casino systems continue to be an issue throughout the gaming industry, with the latest victim being a small operator who runs two casinos in Nevada.

Olympia Gaming, which owns and operates both the Casino Fandango in Carson City and Legends Bay in Sparks, confirmed to local news agencies on Thursday that it had been the target of a recent cyberattack on June 19.

Casino Working With Cybersecurity Experts on Investigation

Details were sparce on the nature of the disruption, with Olympia Gaming only stating that certain systems were impacted by the hack. A spokesperson told NBC Reno affiliate KRNV that the company had taken steps to secure its systems, and was working with national external cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident. The company told local media that it is limited it the information it can provide given the ongoing nature of the investigation. 

Olympia Gaming says that it is focused on returning to normal operations as soon as possible, while prioritizing the safety of guests and employees. 

There was no notice on the Olympia website suggesting that either venue had been closed. Legends Bay Casino announced on Facebook that a line dancing event had been postponed on Wednesday night, though no reason for the cancellation was offered. No other notices about the cyberattack were posted on social media.

Olympia Gaming was founded in 2005, and is the gaming development division of Olympia Companies. The firm opened Casino Fandango in 2003, offering over 700 slots, a small selection of table games, and a sports book. In 2022, the company opened Legends Bay Casino, making it the first new Northern Nevada casino to open in more than two decades. 

Cybersecurity Increasingly Critical in Gaming Industry

Cyberattacks have become an increasingly serious issue for casinos across the United States and around the world. In April, the issue gained national notoriety when it casino cybersecurity was the subject of a segment on CBS’ news magazine program . 

One of the most prolific hacks took place in September 2023, when a cyberattack brought operations at MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas and elsewhere in the United States to a standstill. 

Earlier this year, MGM reported that the incident ultimately cost the company around $100 million in both real expenses and other negative impacts. Caesars Entertainment faced a similar attack, but reportedly paid a $15 million ransom to regain control of its systems. 

Smaller casino firms have also have to deal with cybersecurity threats. In April, the Swinomish Northern Lights Casino & Lodge in Anacortes, Washington closed temporarily due to “a cybersecurity incident.” The casino reopened on April 24, a little more than two weeks after closing, while urging visitors to review their credit reports for any unusual activity.