Online casino software and gaming hardware provider International Game Technology (IGT) has revealed that it is investigating a breach in its cybersecurity. The issue, which was detected on Nov. 17, is impacting the company’s internal IT systems.
IGT has disclosed in a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it has activated its cybersecurity response plan, which includes shutting down specific systems, consulting with external advisors, and working towards regaining regular operations.
The company said it was “communicating with its customers and other stakeholders, as appropriate, and where possible, the company has implemented alternatives for certain operations in accordance with its business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions and continue servicing its customers.”
Cybersecurity breach hits during key deal for IGT
The cybersecurity breach comes at a critical moment for IGT, as the company’s shareholders have recently approved an agreement to sell $6.3 billion of its assets. IGT has a deal with Apollo Global Management to sell its Gaming PlayDigital divisions. IGT has not indicated whether the cybersecurity breach is linked to this deal.
The initial agreement was between IGT and Everi for a $6.2 billion merger, but Apollo Global Management swooped in around July. The Apollo Global Management agreement is expected to close by the end of Q3 2025. IGT will hope its 2025 Q3 results are more positive than those posted in Q3 2024. The company saw revenues decline by 2% to $587 million year-on-year, while operating income dropped significantly by 33% to $110 million.
IGT has overseen several high-profile moves during 2024, including extending its retail partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook until 2028. The companies have been working together since 2019, starting at New Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment in New Jersey.
In August, the company expanded its sports betting options in Nevada and Colorado through its agreement with Monarch Casino and Resort, Inc. The deal sees IGT provide online and retail sports betting for Monarch at Monarch Casino Resort Spa in Black Hawk, Colorado, and Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, Reno, Nevada.
IGT issues latest high-profile gambling security problem
IGT is a major company that trades stocks on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and it is not the only high-profile gambling company that has faced security issues and online attacks in recent times. In late 2023, MGM Resorts, an S&P 500 company traded on the NYSE, was hit by a cyber attack that caused slot machines to malfunction on the Las Vegas Strip and caused losses in customer data for anyone who signed up before March 2019.
MGM Resorts, which operates the online sportsbook BetMGM, has estimated the attack cost the company $100 million. Its systems were offline for several days, and guests had to queue for several hours to get in and get physical room keys or card receipts.
Gaming operator Aristocrat announced that it experienced a cyber attack in June 2023. Hackers broke into the system through a vulnerability in third-party file-sharing software MOVEit. Aristocrat employees’ data was stolen, and parts of this data were published online.
