Ohio Lottery begins investigation after cyberattack

The Ohio Lottery has initiated an internal investigation after suffering a cyberattack that affected its computer systems on Christmas Eve.

While the cybersecurity incident did not involve any Ohio Lottery games or the technology systems on which the lottery operates, the company took precautionary steps to protect its environment, including disconnecting key systems to contain the issue.

The Ohio Lottery has notified law enforcement and engaged cybersecurity experts to assist with an investigation and assess the full scope of information impacted.

The lottery said that it was not aware of any misuse or public release of information connected to this incident.

“The integrity of our games is the top priority of the lottery, and we assure the public the gaming system is fully operational,” said the Ohio Lottery in a statement. “While the cybersecurity incident investigation is on-going, the state wants to reiterate that if any consumer data was compromised, it will take all measures to assist with credit monitoring to protect Ohioans.”

The lottery confirmed that prizes up to $599 can still be cashed at any Ohio Lottery Retailer location, while winning tickets over $600 can be mailed to the Ohio Lottery Central Office in Cleveland for payment, or claimed using a digital claim form.

The lottery added that it is working diligently to restore all cashing options in the very near future.

“We are committed to maintaining the privacy of information and integrity of our games,” said the lottery. “We are investigating to determine how this incident happened and what data may have been impacted.”