LAS VEGAS — Beneath the dazzling lights of the Las Vegas Strip, a new threat is quietly unfolding. Cybercriminals are aggressively targeting casinos, launching advanced ransomware attacks that disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, and demand steep ransoms. As casinos rapidly digitize—from mobile gaming to cloud-based loyalty programs—the demand for tailored casino cybersecurity services has never been greater.
Casinos have become one of the most attractive targets for hackers. Why? Because they house massive volumes of sensitive data—from high-roller financials to staff credentials and regulatory compliance records. The 24/7 nature of gaming operations means that even short outages can cause devastating losses, making casinos more likely to pay ransoms quickly.
“Operators collect a lot of sensitive personal information for KYC purposes and financing reporting—names and credit cards, but also Social Security numbers and biometric data,” said Nancy Ramirez Ayala, SVP at Ainsworth Game Technology. “That information is much more valuable for threat actors to gather to extort gaming companies.” (CDC Gaming)
In September 2023, MGM Resorts International experienced a catastrophic ransomware attack that crippled slot machines, disabled hotel room keys, and brought reservation systems to a standstill for over a week. The attack was attributed to the hacking group Scattered Spider, which used social engineering to breach internal systems. The damage? An estimated $100 million.
At nearly the same time, Caesars Entertainment suffered a similar breach. Unlike MGM, Caesars reportedly paid the attackers around $15 million to secure stolen data and resume operations. Still, sensitive customer information—including driver’s license and Social Security numbers—was compromised.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for modern, casino-focused cybersecurity services that go beyond traditional tools.
Groups like Scattered Spider and other threat actors are using advanced social engineering techniques to trick casino staff. Phishing, vishing (voice phishing), deepfakes, and generative AI are now common tools in an attacker’s arsenal.
“You’re entering a new world,” said Erik Gaston, VP at Tanium. “The attackers are different. They want recurring revenue. You’re dealing with more sophisticated attacks now—deepfakes, AI-based phishing…so many ways to catch someone off guard.” (CDC Gaming)
In the casino world, where front desk staff, VIP hosts, and cage cashiers all have varying access levels, one slip-up can be all it takes.
The cost of a ransomware incident doesn’t stop at recovery. In January 2025, MGM Resorts agreed to a $45 million class-action settlement related to the data breaches in 2019 and 2023. Caesars could face similar fallout. Regulators are taking note, too. The SEC now requires faster and more transparent cyber breach disclosures, and gaming regulators like the NGC and GLI are increasing pressure for cybersecurity readiness.
To defend against these growing threats, casinos must invest in casino cybersecurity services tailored to their unique environment. These services include:
Employee Awareness Training: Combat phishing, vishing, and USB-based threats
Threat Detection & Response: Real-time detection of suspicious activity across the network
Regulatory Gap Analysis & Testing: Ensure readiness for PCI DSS, NGC, GLI, and more
Penetration Testing & Red Teaming: Simulate real-world attacks to find what tools miss
Incident Response Planning & Tabletop Exercises: Build a tested plan before it’s needed
“War-gaming possible cyber hacking scenarios is an important part of how in-house counsel respond to threats,” said David Dunn of FTI Consulting. “Legal should be involved well before an incident happens.” (Financial Times)
Ransomware gangs aren’t going away—and neither are the risks to your guests, your operations, or your gaming license. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT function. For casinos, it’s a business-critical necessity.
Investing in casino cybersecurity services isn’t about fear—it’s about staying operational, compliant, and one step ahead.
At Adversim, we help gaming properties defend against modern cyber threats with services built specifically for the casino industry. From penetration testing to compliance assessments and threat simulation, we deliver real-world protection that keeps your operations running and your reputation intact.
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