Encore Boston Harbor Reports Lowest Monthly Revenue Since Early 2021 as Labor Action Continues

Data from September 2026 shows Encore Boston Harbor generated $46.1 million in gross gaming revenue, a 22 percent decrease from the $59.1 million recorded in September 2025, and this figure marks the property's weakest monthly performance since February 2021 when statewide COVID restrictions remained in place. The decline aligns directly with the start of a labor strike involving more than 1,300 workers on September 4, 2026.

Strike Details and Union Demands

Workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 along with additional unions walked off the job over requests for increased wages, expanded healthcare coverage, and improved benefits packages. The action began on September 4 and continued through the end of the month, creating operational adjustments at the Wynn Resorts property located in Everett, Massachusetts. Observers note that the timing of the revenue drop corresponds exactly with the strike period, while other operational factors remained consistent with prior months.

State Tax Revenue Impact

Massachusetts collected $11.5 million in tax revenue from Encore Boston Harbor during September 2026, reflecting the reduced gross gaming revenue base. This amount represents a direct consequence of lower wagering activity at the facility, and state officials track such remittances as part of monthly casino oversight procedures.

September 2026 casino revenue figures including gross gaming revenue, slot coin-in, and tax remittances offer the primary source for these comparisons. The data places Encore Boston Harbor's performance in context with the other operators, where no similar year-over-year drops occurred.

Historical Context and Timeline

The $46.1 million total represents the lowest monthly gross gaming revenue at Encore Boston Harbor since February 2021, a period when pandemic-related capacity limits and operational rules affected all Massachusetts gaming venues. Since that time, monthly figures had generally trended higher, reaching $59.1 million in September 2025 before the current decline. The strike that began September 4 introduced new variables into daily operations, including staffing changes and service adjustments across hotel, food, and gaming departments.

Those monitoring the situation report that the unions involved have maintained picket lines at the Everett property throughout the month. Negotiations over wages, healthcare, and benefits continued without resolution by month's end, and teh ongoing action affected multiple shifts of employees. The property, which opened in 2018 as a Wynn Resorts development, employs a large workforce that includes dealers, hospitality staff, and support personnel covered under the collective bargaining agreements.

Broader Market Observations

Statewide casino revenue tracking shows variation across properties when one facility encounters labor challenges while others operate without interruption. MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park maintained consistent results, indicating that regional demand patterns did not shift uniformly during September 2026. Data indicates that player traffic and wagering volumes at Encore Boston Harbor declined in line with reduced staffing capacity during the strike period.

October 2026 coverage of these September figures provides updated context for ongoing labor discussions at the property. Reports detail how the revenue numbers connect to both the strike timeline and the property's historical performance benchmarks. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission continues to publish monthly data that allows direct comparison of gross gaming revenue and tax collections across all licensed operators.

Conclusion

The September 2026 results at Encore Boston Harbor reflect the intersection of a sustained labor action with monthly gaming performance metrics. The 22 percent year-over-year decline to $46.1 million stands as the lowest total since early 2021, while the associated tax remittance reached $11.5 million. Other state casinos reported stable figures during the same timeframe, underscoring the localized nature of the impact at the Everett property. Additional details appear in coverage from Boston.com and The Boston Globe, which document the revenue data and strike developments.