Michigan Casino Chain Shuts Down After Cyberattack

Ironically, I have never stepped foot inside of a casino, but I won't act like it isn't enticing to go. We have all seen the people holding up the giant checks after they have hit some jackpot or went wild at a table, I don't know about you, but it makes me wonder if I can be that lucky. That's the thing, it's all about luck, and I just don't want to take those chances.

Get our free mobile app

Most of the casinos in the United States are situated on sovereign land and are owned by several different Native American tribes. There are 26 total casinos in Michigan alone, 3 of them are commercial casinos located in Detroit while the other 23 are owned by native tribes but these numbers don't include all of the online casino games available to Michiganders and their visitors.

Kewadin Casinos is one of the many casino chains that exist across America, but they are exclusive to the state of Michigan. They have 5 total locations within the Mitten but right now, all of them are shut down due to a ransomware attack that they haven't be able to solve yet.

Immediately, Kewadin reached out to a third-party investigator to get to the bottom of the attack and find out how to get themselves back up and running but also protected in the future. They discovered the data security issue on Sunday, shutting down all services immediately and pledging to be closed until the issue is resolved.

Austin Lowes, Chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians said the following about the ransomware attack:

“This attack impacted multiple computer and phone systems across tribal administration, including the casinos, health centers and various businesses. The tribal government will remain open in a limited capacity to serve our members to the best of our ability despite this incident.”

They are hoping to get their gaming services back up and running by the end of the week, but they are prepared for this process to take longer. Their 5 locations are in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas and Hessel which are all in the Upper Peninsula.