MGM Resorts International is back up and running a month after falling victim to a company-wide cyber attack. It’s hoping to make up for the inconveniences it caused customers.
That’s good for North Carolina residents enrolled in MGM Rewards or already signed up for a BetMGM account in preparation for the launch of North Carolina online sports betting. Members may have received, or could soon receive, offers directly from the company, making a trip to one of its US properties more appealing in the near future.
Offers roll in as MGM Rewards becomes functional once again
While MGM does not operate any casinos in the Tar Heel State, online sports betting in North Carolina is set to launch next year. Bettors will soon become familiar with BetMGM NC, which maintained operations while the MGM Rewards system was affected.
Reports of MGM Rewards returning to an operational state began to surface on October 10 from several people in the Las Vegas area. Some users have still experienced issues, but the company seems like it’s resolving them and returning to normal.
Coincidentally, the systems came back one month after they went down.
MGM Rewards appears to be working again, exactly 1 month after the cyber attack began https://t.co/9qJwJTfHQz
— Las Vegas Locally 🌴 (@LasVegasLocally) October 12, 2023
That same day, several impacted guests confirmed receiving email offers for four-night complimentary stays.
I got this email. I get 4 comp nights anyway from MGM rewards. Will I get 4 comp nights on top of my 4 comp night? lol
— Chris (@islanders73) October 11, 2023
Along with the offer, MGM apologized to its customers and said it was dedicated to demonstrating its appreciation “in a meaningful way.”
It continued, “As we diligently work to finalize more offers to show our appreciation, we are excited to offer you an initial opportunity for a return visit. This is just the beginning, as we have plans in motion for even more that will soon be unveiled. Your loyalty deserves nothing less, and we are eager to demonstrate our gratitude.”
Another MGM Rewards member confirmed that her husband had received a similar offer, but hers had yet to arrive.
Oddly, my husband received this email and I did not, even though we both had rooms booked in our own name. He did the first few days and I booked the next ones. Maybe it will catch up.
— Sandra Thomas (@sthomas10) October 11, 2023
A $100 million mess to clean up
The September cyber attack effectively shut down MGM properties for 10 days, but the aftermath has continued. The company announced earlier this month that it expected losses of more than $100 million from the episode, something the Associated Press said could be the costliest ransomware attack in history.
During those 10 days, guests who proceeded with their reservations waited hours in line to check into their hotel rooms where employees recorded all transactions by hand. Those who made it onto the casino floor found most machines down, with those still running also requiring hand pay for all cash outs.
MGM confirmed the attack affected more than just its 12 Las Vegas properties. Other casinos included:
- Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, N.J.
- MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Md. (outside of Washington DC)
- MGM Grand Detroit (Mich.)
- MGM Springfield (Mass.)
Even though systems are back up, MGM has a sizeable mess to clean up. In addition to its reputation hit, the company was charged with nine class action lawsuits pertaining to the attack’s data breach.
BetMGM customers in NC should check their loyalty accounts
Even if you weren’t affected by September’s shutdown, let this message serve as a reminder to check your account’s rewards for BetMGM North Carolina. MGM confirmed its plans to continue reaching out to customers to make good on its mishaps and that its current offers were only the beginning.
The launch timing of online sports betting in North Carolina will put additional pressure on BetMGM NC. While the company has a reputation and dedicated customer base in many markets nationwide to make amends with, any safety and security concerns in NC could lead to failure from the get-go.
North Carolina sports betting will go live with up to 11 operators, allowing residents to jump on welcome offers, test the field and choose which sportsbooks they like best. With stiff competition in-state and nationwide, BetMGM North Carolina will have its work cut out ahead.
About the Author
