SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Michigan’s Kewadin Casinos just learned the hard way that the only game tougher than poker is cybercrime. A ransomware attack has taken down the entire casino chain, leaving gamblers, employees, and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians scrambling for answers – and their money.

All bets are off for a while.

The cyberattack forced Kewadin Casinos to shut down all five locations across the Upper Peninsula on February 10th. Officials have confirmed it’s ransomware – meaning hackers have locked down the system and are demanding payment to restore access.

MORE NEWS: Fewer Special Education Students Triggers Much Higher Spending

The casino’s digital infrastructure, including reservation systems, financial records, and internal communications, has been completely compromised – as well as tribal businesses, health centers and phone systems.

Translation for gamblers? No slot machines, no table games, and no online reservations. Just a whole lot of frustration for customers and an even bigger headache for tribal officials.

Casino takes a hit, but who’s holding the cards?

Kewadin isn’t just a place to lose your money at the blackjack table – it’s a major revenue source for the Sault Tribe, funding government services, health care, and education. With operations at a standstill, tribal leadership has been left scrambling to mitigate the financial fallout.

Officials have been tight-lipped on whether they’ll pay the ransom. Meanwhile, cybersecurity teams are working around the clock to restore operations, but no one knows how long the digital lockdown will last.

In an online statement, the tribe says they have “enlisted the help of third-party experts” and are attempting “to restore our gaming operations as quickly as possible.”

When the “house” loses, everyone loses.

The attack is yet another reminder that cybercriminals are getting bolder, and casinos – once thought to be digital fortresses – are now becoming prime targets. From Las Vegas to small-town gaming halls, hackers are cashing in, and Michigan’s Kewadin chain is just the latest victim.