Encore Boston Harbor Records Lowest Gaming Revenue in Five Years Amid September 2026 Strike

Data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission shows Encore Boston Harbor generated approximately 46.1 million dollars in gross gaming revenue during September 2026, which marks a 22.1 percent decline from the 59.1 million dollars recorded in the same month the previous year and represents the property's weakest monthly performance since February 2021.

The casino, owned by Wynn Resorts, experienced these results while roughly 1,350 employees remained on strike, an action that began on September 4 and continued without resolution through the end of the month. Revenue figures indicate the labor dispute coincided with reduced activity across table games, slot machines, and other gaming offerings at the Everett, Massachusetts facility.

Strike Details and Operational Impact

Unionized workers walked off the job on the fourth of September, creating immediate staffing shortages that affected multiple departments including food and beverage service, housekeeping, and gaming floor operations. Observers note the prolonged nature of the work stoppage limited the casino's ability to maintain normal service levels, which in turn contributed to lower visitor spending and reduced overall handle throughout the property.

State tax collections from Encore Boston Harbor fell in tandem with the revenue drop, declining to roughly 11.5 million dollars in September 2026 from 14.8 million dollars one year earlier. These tax payments flow directly from gross gaming revenue under Massachusetts regulatory formulas, so the percentage decrease in collections tracked closely with the 22.1 percent reduction in reported GGR.

Monthly data released by the commission places the September 2026 total below every corresponding month over the preceding five years except for the pandemic-affected period. This pattern highlights how the combination of reduced staffing and ongoing labor negotiations produced measurable effects on both player volume and average wager amounts.

Tax Revenue and State Implications

Massachusetts receives a fixed percentage of gross gaming revenue from each licensed casino, which means any sustained reduction in GGR translates directly into lower payments to state and local governments. The drop from 14.8 million dollars to 11.5 million dollars in a single month illustrates the scale of the impact during the strike's first full reporting period. Officials continue to monitor collections as the work stoppage extends into October 2026, with no immediate indication of settlement.

Additional economic activity tied to the casino, such as supplier contracts and tourism spending in the surrounding area, also faces pressure while normal operations remain disrupted. The commission's data release provides the primary public record of these changes, and analysts reviewing the figures have focused on the direct correlation between staffing levels and revenue generation.

Current Status Entering October 2026

As October began, the strike involving approximately 1,350 employees continued without a new contract agreement, keeping pressure on daily operations at the resort. The September results offer the first complete monthly snapshot since the labor action started, and subsequent reports will show whether revenue trends stabilize or deteriorate further while negotiations proceed. Casino management and union representatives have held multiple sessions, yet no resolution had been announced by the time the commission published its September data.

Encore Boston Harbor remains open to the public during the dispute, though service adjustments and reduced amenities have been reported by visitors. The property continues to generate gaming activity, but at levels measurably below those recorded before the strike commenced on September 4.

Conclusion

The September 2026 gross gaming revenue of 46.1 million dollars at Encore Boston Harbor reflects the combined influence of an ongoing employee strike and resulting operational constraints, producing the lowest monthly total in more than five years and a corresponding reduction in state tax receipts. Commission figures establish a clear before-and-after comparison with the prior year, underscoring the measurable financial effects of the labor action that began early in the month and persisted through October. Future monthly releases will provide additional data points as both sides work toward a resolution.