BetMGM has been offline since about midnight due to a widespread technology outage caused by a faulty CrowdStrike update. The problem is far bigger than one gambling site, however. The buggy code sent to Microsoft Windows workstations has knocked businesses and institutions offline worldwide—including other brick-and-mortar and online gambling providers.
By noon ET on July 19, reports of grounded planes, disrupted banking and health services, broadcasters knocked offline, and out-of-order gaming operators flooded in from every corner.
According to a post on X, BetMGM aims to resolve the issue quickly.
BetMGM is experiencing temporary issues due to global IT outages.
We are working hard to resolve this and will update customers when we are up and running. Thank you for your patience.
It’s the second time in a year that MGM’s brands have suffered a high-profile outage. Unlike last fall’s retail blackout, however, this interruption is not related to a cyberattack. Rather, the glitchy CrowdStrike update deployed to Microsoft Windows computers is responsible for the widespread disruptions.
Faulty Security Sensor Blamed for IT Disruption
Texas-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike posted on its website, indicating the problem started with its Falcon Sensor, which monitors the security of large PC networks.
Crowdstrike is aware of reports of crashes on Windows related to the Falcon Sensor.
While working on a fix, the company said it reverted to the previous software version to avoid further disruption. The post also acknowledged the extent of the disruption to affected customers.
We understand the gravity of the situation and are deeply sorry for the inconvenience and disruption. We are working with all impacted customers to ensure that systems are back up and they can deliver the services their customers are counting on.
On X, CrowdStrike president George Kurtz reiterated that the problem stemmed from a “defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts.” Kurtz added that Mac and Linux systems remain unaffected.
Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers.
On July 18, Microsoft 365 Status initially posted on X that the company was “investigating an issue” impacting users’ access to various apps and services.
Shortly after, the account added that it was “working on rerouting the impacted traffic to alternate systems.” According to its most recent update, Microsoft has since mitigated the issue.
After an extended period of monitoring, we’ve determined that the issue is mitigated, and all previously impacted Microsoft 365 apps and service have recovered.
Businesses and Services Around the Globe Impacted
Companies from all sectors and regions are dealing with problems caused by the glitch, including everything from the shipping industry to the Israeli military.
However, according to commentary on X, the disruption may have hit harder overseas. Throughout the UK, Western Europe, India, and beyond, countless airlines, health services, and gaming companies have encountered the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death.”
Entain-owned Ladbrokes indicated to customers on X that disruptions affected its retail and online services.
Further, Australian publication JustHorseRacing reported technical issues at Sky Racing, TAB, and Flutter-owned Sportsbet.
However, the US impact appears less widespread; American businesses haven’t escaped unscathed.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal (LVRJ), travelers faced long lines at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport on Friday morning, thanks to the outage. Additionally, Vegas-based Allegiant Air notified customers via X that its website was offline.
However, the disruption affected more than just US travel hubs. LVRJ also reported minor issues at Summerlin’s Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa, and several TV stations around the US could not broadcast.
US Hospitals and health centers also reported issues with internal systems, forcing those affected to cancel appointments and surgeries.
As a result of the outage, stock prices are down for numerous companies, including CrowdStrike and Microsoft.
This report is part of a developing story; check back for updates.
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