Washington State Casino Reopens Weeks After Apparent Cyber Attack

Posted on: April 29, 2024, 08:04h. 

Last updated on: April 29, 2024, 09:52h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More

Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

Washington State’s Swinomish Casino and Lodge has reopened its doors following an approximately three-week closure due to a “cybersecurity incident.”

The Anacortes, Wash. gaming property shut down the casino floor and its restaurants on April 5 and reopened the facilities a few days ago. It also wouldn’t accept new reservations at its lodge or RV park during the temporary shuttering.

Our casino, dining, and lodge facilities are operational, and we look forward to welcoming back our valued guests, dedicated team members, and members of the tribal community,” the casino revealed late last week in a Facebook post.

Guests who were impacted by the cyberattack may be eligible for refunds.

It’s still unclear who was responsible for the incident. Law enforcement officials and cybersecurity consultants assisted the casino during the closure.

Initially, the closure was blamed on unspecified technical issues. Within a few days, the casino explained there was a cybersecurity incident.

Few Details Released

Few details have been provided about the issues although internet service at the gaming property was believed to have been impacted, according to Washington State TV station KIRO.

The Swinomish Tribe-operated casino also has yet to reveal if confidential information belonging to the gaming property or its guests was compromised during the cyber incident. Casino officials are advising prior guests to monitor their financial and credit card statements to look out for possible concerns.

If we learn data was impacted by this incident, we will contact affected individuals as soon as possible,” the casino said in an online statement posted earlier this month.

The casino will provide promotions during May to thank customers for their patience during the closure.

The casino’s gaming floor has over 700 slot machines and table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, Pai Gow, and keno.

News about the reopening led to numerous online posts from thankful regular customers.

One poster, who identified himself as Cole Wegleitner, said on Facebook: “Good Job Swinomish Casino & Lodge and Well done to all of the I.T. staff who probably needs a well deserved break after this calms down.”

Recent Cyberattacks

Swinomish Casino isn’t the only Washington State gaming property to face closure due to a cybersecurity issue. In March, Nisqually Red Wind Casino in Olympia, Wash. closed for two days.

Rivers Casino Des Plaines in Illinois also experienced a cyberattack around August 12. Confidential data from some patrons and employees was stolen.