MGM Begins Paying Out After Big Data Breach Deal
Summary
MGM Resorts International has started issuing payments to people affected by two major cyberattacks after agreeing a $45 million class-action settlement earlier this year. Court documents show hackers accessed some form of personal data for more than 37 million people across incidents in mid-2019 and September 2023. The 2023 attack notably disrupted Las Vegas operations for over a week and drove significant recovery costs.
The settlement establishes tiered compensation depending on the data exposed: larger payouts for leaked Social Security or military ID numbers, smaller cash payments for exposed driver’s licence or passport numbers, and reimbursement of up to $15,000 for proven fraud-related losses. Eligible individuals can choose bank transfers or popular digital payment apps and may also sign up for free identity-protection services. MGM says it settled without admitting fault.
Key Points
- Payments have begun under a $45 million class-action settlement for two MGM cyberattacks.
- Hackers accessed personal data for over 37 million people across breaches in 2019 and September 2023.
- Compensation is tiered: higher for Social Security/military ID exposures, smaller for passport/driver’s licence leaks.
- Victims who can prove fraud or identity-theft losses may be reimbursed up to $15,000.
- Eligible people can receive cash via bank transfer or digital payment apps and can opt into free identity-protection services.
- MGM settled without admitting liability; plaintiffs’ lawyers say the deal highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity in data-heavy industries.
Author style
Punchy: This is a significant development — large-scale breach, major payout and tangible remedies for victims. If you care about consumer data protection or run a business that stores customer data, the details here are worth a proper read.
Why should I read this?
Short answer: because if you (or someone you know) used MGM services, this affects you. Payments are rolling out, there are clear rules on what you can claim, and free identity protection is on offer. Even if you weren’t directly hit, it’s a tidy case study in how big hospitality firms respond to breaches — useful if you handle customer data or worry about identity theft.
Source
Source: https://www.gamblingnews.com/news/mgm-begins-paying-out-after-big-data-breach-deal/