Turning Stone Resort Casino, many of its off-campus locations and other businesses operated by the Oneida Indian Nation in Verona, New York, were forced to temporarily switch to cash-only operations this week following a cybersecurity incident on Monday, November 2, that affected parts of the company’s network and communications systems.
Turning Stone Enterprises said it temporarily shut down select internal systems to protect the personal information of guests and clients. According to a media statement, the company has not found evidence that unauthorized people accessed any confidential information.
“We are working rapidly with top cybersecurity experts to assess the nature and scope of the incident and assist with our response,” Joel Barkin, Vice President for Strategic Communications and Community Engagement, said in a statement. “Protecting confidential information is our highest priority. We will provide additional information as we have it.”
Card payments halted on the gaming floor
The disruption affected six businesses: Turning Stone Resort Casino, Point Place Casino, YBR Casino and Sports Book, The Lake House, Maple Leaf Markets and SavOn convenience stores. The tribe’s gas stations also accepted only cash, and ATMs went out of service.
On Tuesday, signs posted throughout the casino complex told visitors that the property would not accept credit or debit cards.
“Currently accepting cash only,” the signs read.
The gaming machines on the Turning Stone floor were still flashing, and a handful of gamblers sat at machines and poker tables on Tuesday morning. Opal’s bakery and The Emerald, a diner-style restaurant, stayed open and served customers.
However, the casino’s bingo hall and the TS Sports betting parlor were closed.
“This terminal will be back in action soon,” read a sign at the sports betting parlor. TS Rewards benefits were also unavailable to guests.
ATMs and store card payments return first
Turning Stone Enterprises began restoring some services on Tuesday evening. In a 7 p.m. update on November 3, Turning Stone Resort Casino said its ATMs were back online. ATMs at Point Place Casino Hotel and YBR Casino and Sports Book became available on the morning of November 4. Credit card payments also resumed at all Maple Leaf and SavOn convenience stores.
All gaming properties will continue to operate on a cash-only basis on November 4, and will not accept credit cards. TS Rewards benefits will remain unavailable that day, and Bingo and TS Sports, including the sports books, will stay closed.
The company said it will send daily emails and post an update every evening until the issue is resolved.