Kewadin Casinos Still Fighting Cyberattack After Nine Days

Posted on: February 18, 2025, 10:27h. 

Last updated on: February 18, 2025, 10:39h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Kewadin Casinos were hit by a ransomware attack nine days ago
  • Sault Ste. Marie Tribe is still battling to restore normal services
  • There’s still no gaming at the five casinos

Michigan’s Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is struggling to get operations back up and running after a cyberattack on its Kewadin Casinos brought a halt to gaming on Sunday, February 9.

Kewadin Casinos, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, cyberattack
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians owns five casinos in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, all of which have been disrupted by an ongoing cyberattack. (Image Kewadin Casinos)

Chairman Austin Lowes said in a statement Monday the tribe is making progress with cybersecurity experts, but described the attack as “ongoing.” He added that the tribe would continue to operate at limited capacity for up to another week. Regular updates will continue to be made on the Kewadin Casinos Facebook page as efforts to restore order progress, Lowes said.

Kewadin Casinos comprises five gaming venues in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, with locations in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel. All have been affected by the attack, which has been described as a ransomware attempt.

Other Services Impacted

The Kewadin Casino website currently states that the tribe remains unable to access its computer systems and central phone lines. Tribal healthcare and other services have also been impacted by the attack. The tribe has obtained new phone numbers for many services.

We understand and share in our community’s frustration with this attack and the interruptions it has caused. I want to assure everyone that the tribe is working with cybersecurity experts and burning the candles at both ends to resolve this issue as quickly as possible,” Lowes said.

“We greatly appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work through this difficult issue,” he added. “As it does with any challenge our people have faced, I am confident that our tribe will emerge stronger.”

Tribal Casinos Increasing Target

There has been a notable rise in ransomware attacks on casinos since 2022, particularly at small and tribal venues.

Tribal casinos may be targeted because of the attackers’ perception that they have less robust cybersecurity infrastructures and may lack extensive resources and enforcement capabilities to defend against sophisticated cyberthreats.

But hackers go after the big boys, too. In September 2023, a group known as “Scattered Spider” launched devastating ransomware attacks on MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment.

MGM refused to pay the ransom and experienced disruption to its operations that lasted for days, causing an estimated $100 million in damage. Caesars paid the hackers around $15 million to have normal services restored, according to The Wall Street Journal.