Ontario's Gateway Casinos Experience Cyberattack Incident

On April 16, British Columbia's Gateway Casinos and Entertainment, a gaming and entertainment provider was forced to suspend the operations of Casino Rama and other Ontario casinos following a cyberattack. Later, the company officially declared that it was subject to a cyberattack.

In an official press statement, the company declared:

"Casino Rama and other Gateway gaming sites will remain closed in the coming days as the company attempts to restore its IT systems. Over the weekend, we detected a cyber-security incident and closed our operations in Ontario. We have retained third-party cyber professionals who are working 24/7 to help us restore the IT environment."

Gateway Casinos’ officials have not yet disclosed whether there was a personal data breach. According to the entertainment firm, personal data and information security is a top priority, reiterating that no evidence suggests any personal data breach. Nevertheless, the company said they would make sure the relevant privacy commissioners and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario are aware of the attack.

"We appreciate the continued patience of our employees, customers and government partners as we work to reopen our properties in Ontario, and will continue to provide further updates to the public regarding our reopening."

Unionized Employees Are Worried

Employees of Casino Rama who are part of a union are concerned that the security breach may impact them. Unifor Local 1090, representing Casino Rama's staff has released an internal memo expressing their worry about the breach. 

In the memo, the union would like Gateway to take the necessary steps to safeguard its members from any consequences resulting from the cyberattack, regardless of whether any data was stolen. Meanwhile, the organization has decided not to schedule shifts until the operational systems are safe.

This new cyber incident is another reminder that online players in Canada should take privacy matters seriously. Experts advise gamers to play only on licensed and encrypted online live casinos.