Encore Boston Harbor recorded its lowest month-to-month gross gaming income in additional than 5 years throughout September 2026, as a strike involving roughly 1,350 workers continued on the Everett on line casino.
According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the Wynn Resorts-owned property generated roughly $46.1 million in gross gaming income (GGR), down 22.1% from $59.1 million in September 2025.
The consequence marked Encore’s weakest month-to-month efficiency since February 2021, when income reached roughly $41 million through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employees represented by Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 started putting on September 4 after their earlier contract expired on August 31.
The dispute centres on calls for for greater wages and improved advantages, with union representatives accusing administration of failing to barter a passable settlement.
Workers and Management Remain Divided Over Contract
The strike entails workers throughout Encore’s gaming and hospitality operations, together with housekeepers, bartenders, servers and slot attendants.
Union representatives argue that staff ought to obtain compensation and office protections corresponding to these obtainable at main Boston lodges.
In an October 6 assertion, the unions stated they’d met with Wynn Resorts twice for the reason that work stoppage started, most just lately on September 30.
They maintained that administration had didn’t current proposals assembly the employment requirements they had been in search of.
Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari defended the employees’ place, linking their contribution to the property’s monetary efficiency.
“These workers are fighting for what they deserve – a fair contract that reflects the value they bring to Encore,” Mari stated in a press release. “The message to Encore’s management is loud and clear: you cannot expect to be one of the region’s few five star resorts without treating the workers who make it possible with the respect they deserve.”
Encore disputed the union’s account, stating that it had submitted a considerable financial proposal in September and was awaiting a response.
The on line casino has continued working all through the strike, though the labour dispute has affected staffing and sure companies.
Massachusetts Casino Tax Collections Decline
Encore Boston Harbor is the biggest of Massachusetts’ three business casinos and pays a 25% tax on gross gaming income.
The state’s September tax collections from the property fell to roughly $11.5 million, in contrast with $14.8 million a 12 months earlier.
Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair Jordan Maynard expressed concern through the regulator’s October 22 assembly.
“The September 2026 revenue was the lowest remitted to the Commonwealth from Encore Boston Harbor in over five and a half years; that’s since we were in the height of the pandemic,” Maynard stated. “I hope that we can resolve this soon.”
Commissioner Paul Brodeur additionally highlighted the significance of playing tax income for public companies.
“A dip of a quarter million dollars into the commonwealth’s revenue is a couple of teachers, it is a relevant benefit around MassHealth,” he stated. “It’s always important to keep in mind that these revenue impacts really are human impacts.”
The state’s different two business casinos reported comparatively steady outcomes throughout September.
Plainridge Park Casino generated roughly $14.6 million in gaming income, growing from $14.3 million in September 2025.
MGM Springfield recorded virtually $22 million, in contrast with roughly $22.2 million a 12 months earlier.
The variations counsel that Encore confronted circumstances particular to its operations, though the monetary figures don’t set up exactly how a lot of the decline resulted from the strike.
Labour Dispute Continues as Financial Pressure Grows
The September outcomes have elevated consideration on the negotiations between Encore administration and its unionised workers.
The on line casino acknowledged the monetary implications of the dispute in a press release responding to the income figures.
“September’s results demonstrate why a sustainable agreement matters – not only for our employees and the thousands of jobs Encore supports, but for Massachusetts,” the corporate stated, as reported by MassLive.com. “When Encore’s revenue declines, so does the tax revenue it generates for the Commonwealth.”
The reported GGR covers income from on line casino gaming and excludes earnings from resort lodging and different non-gaming companies.
Consequently, the figures present solely a partial indication of the resort’s general monetary efficiency through the work stoppage.
Massachusetts regulators have expressed hope that the events will attain an settlement, given the on line casino’s contribution to state income.
However, the unions proceed in search of improved employment phrases, whereas Encore maintains that its current proposal gives a foundation for a sustainable contract.
No decision has been introduced, leaving the period of the strike unsure.
