The 14 Ontario, Canada Gateway Casinos that were shut down two weeks ago because a ransomware attack are close to reopening, a communications employee said. The casinos’ computer system was compromised and it affected all of the casinos in the Canadian province.
The company is currently undergoing a review of its system. They ran multiple tests on Monday and said they were optimistic they would be able to open in phases by the weekend. They directed those interested to their Facebook page where they are providing updates.
“We are currently testing our IT systems,” Rob Mitchell, the company’s director of communications and public affairs for eastern Canada, told CDC Gaming Reports. “Re-opening timelines will be determined based on that testing and the approval of Ontario regulatory authorities.”
They were also working with “third-party experts” to see if the hackers got any access to personal information of customers or employees. The company said in a statement that so far they have found no evidence of that occurring.
The employees have been impacted financially, however. The union representing employees at Casino Rama and Gateway Casinos Innisfil told Barrie News that workers were paid for the first three days of the closures, but afterwards, employees had to use banked time or EI coverage.
Reopening will depend on the inspections by the regulatory authorities, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. If they are satisfied, the casino will be allowed to reopen.
Gateway Casinos & Entertainment is one of the largest gaming and entertainment companies in Canada. They have 28 gaming properties in British Columbia and Ontario, and two additional properties in Edmonton, Alberta. The company employs approximately 7,000 people and has 339 table games (including 30 poker tables), 14,031 slot machines, 94 food and beverage outlets, and 561 hotel rooms.
