Software Issues Leave Australia Casino Slots Shut DownGlitch To Cost Company Millions Of Dollars |
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Slot machines account for a massive chunk of most casinos’ revenue, and that became apparent over the weekend after an Australian gaming company was forced to shut down all of its slot machines and electronic table games.
Star Entertainment, which operates casinos in Sydney, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, was still left without slot operations this week after a glitch turned up in the company’s systems as part of an upgrade. The computer upgrade was in preparation to make cashless gaming possible at the properties, which revealed system performance issues.
“The decision was taken by The Star to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and to maintain the company’s commitment to safer gambling procedures,” the company read in a statement. “The Star is working closely with its external provider Konami to address the operational issues as soon as possible and will provide an update once operations return to normal.
“Treasury Brisbane, The Star Gold Coast and The Star Sydney remain open with table games, restaurants, bars, and entertainment available.”
The company hasn’t offered an update since Saturday and there is no timeline on when the company’s slot operations might be back online. The shutdown is expected to have a major impact on company revenues and Star’s stock price initially fell about 2.5% on news of the shutdowns, dropping the company’s market capitalization by $40 million.
The company hasn’t been a target of hacking like that encountered by MGM Resorts in the U.S. last year. That issue left the company’s computer systems shut down for several months and cost the company an estimated $100 million.
Star has faced other struggles in recent months including an investigation by gaming regulators into The Star Casino in Sydney. The New South Wales Independent Casino Commission (NICC) has been investigating the property after a previous report on the property in September 2022 alleged that the casino had “serious governance, risk management, and cultural failures.”
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