Cyberattack Forces Turning Stone Casinos to Halt Digital Payments : GamblersPost

Turning Stone Resort Casino and its associated tribal gaming properties in upstate New York have been forced to adopt cash-only operations following a cybersecurity incident that disrupted their systems. The shutdown affects transactions at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, Point Place Casino in Bridgeport, and YBR Casino & Sports Book in Chittenango, as well as other Turning Stone Enterprises businesses.

Parent company Turning Stone Enterprises, the commercial arm of the Oneida Nation, announced the shutdown of internal systems as a precaution. The incident has halted credit card transactions at its properties on Tuesday, November 3, while ATMs, sports betting, and bingo operations are also unavailable.

‘We are working at full speed with cybersecurity experts to return to full working order,’ the company stated in a statement, though no timeline was provided. Evening updates on service availability will be published until normal operations resume.

According to local reports from WKTV, Turning Stone confirmed there is no evidence that confidential guest information was accessed. However, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing, and the company has not yet identified the cause or confirmed third-party involvement.

The disruption has also impacted the TS Rewards loyalty program, leaving patrons unable to earn or redeem points for gambling, hotel stays, dining, and other purchases.

This incident highlights the escalating cybersecurity risks faced by casinos, particularly tribal properties. The interconnected systems and substantial financial transactions handled by casinos make them prime targets for cybercriminals. The FBI has previously warned that tribal casinos may be particularly vulnerable due to perceived weaker cybersecurity measures and limited resources to combat sophisticated threats.

In September 2023, MGM Resorts International experienced a cyberattack that disrupted hotel reservations, casino transactions, and other services across its US properties. The company estimated the financial impact on its third-quarter earnings at approximately $100 million.