Grand Casino Shawnee outage disrupts video games, raises security issues

Patrons at Grand Casino in Shawnee reported widespread disruptions throughout extreme climate Friday night time as energy outages interrupted gaming operations.

Witnesses mentioned slot machines and on line casino techniques went offline whereas some gamers nonetheless had cash and participant playing cards contained in the machines. Several patrons mentioned when energy returned intermittently, some machines had reset or have been accessed by different gamers.

One girl mentioned she had about $1,000 in a machine alongside along with her card when the outage occurred. She mentioned safety intervened after one other individual tried to play the machine, however she was not reimbursed for cash already used.

Others reported comparable issues, saying they have been compelled to depart machines throughout outages and later discovered them unusable or altered.

Cash-out points, delays reported

Multiple patrons mentioned they have been unable to money out chips or redeem vouchers throughout the outage.

Some guests who traveled from out of city mentioned on line casino workers advised them vouchers would stay legitimate for 30 days and might be redeemed later.

Witnesses mentioned tons of of individuals remained inside for hours after the storm handed, ready for techniques to return again on-line or attempting to get better funds.

Casino workers reportedly advised patrons a backup generator was in place, however witnesses mentioned it didn’t function persistently.

As a consequence, elements of the on line casino have been left in low gentle or close to darkness, together with restrooms and gaming areas.

Patrons described situations as chaotic, with restricted path from workers and unclear subsequent steps.

Safety issues inside and out of doors

Some witnesses additionally raised issues about security exterior the on line casino, saying visibility was low and extreme climate was nonetheless ongoing as folks tried to depart.

Others mentioned safety personnel have been primarily stationed inside fairly than aiding exterior.

Witnesses mentioned that after a number of system resets, on line casino administration directed workers to gather names and cellphone numbers from affected visitors.

They have been additionally advised the on line casino deliberate to close down at 6 a.m. for the remainder of the day, no matter whether or not techniques have been absolutely restored.

The on line casino has not publicly launched particulars in regards to the outage, what number of visitors have been affected or what reimbursement insurance policies might apply.

Many visitors expressed frustration over how the state of affairs was dealt with.

“I have been to casinos all over the world and I have never seen such an epic fail failure,“ one patron said.

Some said they plan to return only to redeem chips or vouchers, while others indicated they may not return at all.

News 9 reached out to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, which operates Grand Casino Shawnee, and received the following statement:

“We take these claims seriously and will investigate the validity of each reported incident,” mentioned Brand. “The safety and well-being of our customers and staff is, and always will be, our top priority during severe weather. If we find any evidence of a malfunction that caused financial loss, we are committed to making things right for our customers. Guests who had credits on slot machines or chips at a table during the power outage are welcome to return, and our casino team will assist with redeeming those credits.”

Todd Brand, Director of Casino Operations for Grand Casino Hotel & Resort, Citizen Potawatomi Nation