Thousands of guests staying on the Las Vegas strip found themselves inexplicably locked out of their hotel rooms over the weekend.
MGM Resorts International reportedly confirmed that the problem was due to a “cybersecurity issue,” one that plagued not just the ability to access hotel rooms but also some of the company’s gambling interests.
Digital room keys at the Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor and Mandalay Bay were among the luxuries impacted by the breach.
Some of the slot machines at MGM Resorts International casinos also ceased to work.
“Promptly after detecting the issue, we quickly began an investigation with assistance from leading external cybersecurity experts,” the company said in a statement. “We also notified law enforcement and took prompt action to protect our systems and data, including shutting down certain systems. Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working diligently to determine the nature and scope of the matter.”
Guests were forced to pay cash at restaurants, were unable to charge expenses to their rooms, and had to be issued physical keys to gain access to their rooms until the issue was resolved.