UPDATE: A significant power outage struck The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas over the weekend, triggering immediate rumors of a potential cyberattack among vacationers. The incident, which occurred during peak hours, caused frustration for guests but was swiftly addressed by resort officials.
Just hours after the outage began, many visitors took to social media, speculating that the casino was a victim of a cyberattack, particularly in light of recent ransomware incidents affecting other casinos. However, The Venetian quickly clarified that the disruption was solely due to an internet outage and not linked to any nefarious activities.
The power loss led to significant operational challenges at the resort. Guests experienced long check-in lines as systems faltered. A spokesperson for The Venetian confirmed that while core hotel and restaurant systems remained operational, services were affected, leading to the need for staff to hand-process payments and manage guest services manually.
“We are working to restore full services as quickly as possible,” a resort representative stated.
Reports from visitors described chaos in the lobby, with one guest posting on X about a “current glitch” that left attendants overwhelmed and wait times stretching for hours. Another user noted that essential systems, including phones and slot machines, were down, further complicating the guest experience.
This incident is part of a troubling trend in Las Vegas, where technical disruptions have become more frequent. Just last year, MGM Resorts faced a major system outage that resulted in check-in delays of up to four hours across multiple properties. Additionally, recent police activity revealed the arrest of three individuals suspected of stealing electrical cables, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities on The Strip.
The Venetian’s quick response reflects a heightened awareness of cybersecurity threats affecting the hospitality industry. In a recent related case, the resort agreed to pay a $850,000 settlement in a religious discrimination lawsuit, showcasing the complex challenges facing luxury resorts.
As operations at The Venetian return to normal, guests and industry observers alike will be watching closely for any further developments. The incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and cybersecurity measures in high-profile establishments.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.