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

Encore Boston Harbor, owned by Wynn Resorts, posted gross gaming revenue of approximately $46.1 million for September 2026, which marked the property's weakest monthly result since February 2021 and reflected a 22.1 percent decline from the $59.1 million recorded in September 2025.

The drop occurred while roughly 1,350 employees remained on strike, an action that began on September 4 and continued through the reporting period, according to commission data.

Strike Details and Workforce Impact

Workers walked off the job on September 4 in a coordinated effort that involved multiple departments at the Everett property, and the action quickly affected daily operations across table games, slots, and hotel services. Observers note that the scale of participation reached about 1,350 individuals, which reduced available staffing and altered service delivery during peak hours. Data shows the strike coincided with the sharpest year-over-year revenue contraction the casino had experienced in more than five years, while similar properties in the region reported steadier results during the same month.

State regulators tracked the situation through routine filings, and figures reveal that the prolonged labor action created measurable gaps in both gaming volume and ancillary spending. Those who monitor Massachusetts casino performance often point to the direct correlation between full staffing levels and consistent revenue generation, and the September numbers illustrate how quickly shortfalls can appear when that balance shifts.

Revenue Figures and Historical Context

September 2026 totals placed Encore Boston Harbor at its lowest point since early 2021, when pandemic-related restrictions still limited capacity across the state. The $46.1 million result stood 22.1 percent below the prior year's mark, and tax collections tied to those revenues fell in tandem to roughly $11.5 million from $14.8 million. Commission reports confirm the decline affected both slots and table games, although table games experienced the steeper percentage drop during the strike window.

Revenue statistics from massgaming.com provide monthly benchmarks that allow direct comparison across years, and the September 2026 entry fits a pattern in which labor disruptions produce immediate and visible effects on reported totals. Analysts who review these filings note that the casino had posted stronger numbers in the preceding months before the strike began, which underscores the abrupt nature of the change.

Tax Collections and State Revenue Effects

Lower gross gaming revenue translated directly into reduced tax remittances, with the state receiving approximately $11.5 million instead of the $14.8 million collected the previous September. These amounts represent the standard percentage applied to gaming activity, and the shortfall arrives at a time when Massachusetts continues to allocate casino-generated funds to local communities and public programs. Observers note that even a single month of reduced collections can shift short-term budget projections, particularly when the property in question ranks among the state's largest gaming taxpayers.

Further review of commission filings shows that Encore Boston Harbor's contribution forms a notable share of overall statewide gaming tax receipts, which makes the September dip noteworthy for fiscal planners who rely on consistent inflows. Data indicates the decline remained isolated to this property during the period, while other Massachusetts casinos maintained more stable tax outputs.

Developments Extending into October 2026

By early October 2026 the strike had already surpassed one month in duration, and reports indicated that negotiations between the union and management continued without a finalized agreement. Gaming activity at the property showed no immediate rebound in the first days of the new month, according to preliminary indicators shared with regulators. Those tracking the situation expect the labor dispute to influence October revenue totals as well, since staffing shortages have persisted beyond the September reporting cycle.

State officials continue to monitor daily operations and collect updated figures, and the commission maintains its standard schedule for releasing monthly summaries. Any resolution reached in October would likely appear in subsequent reports rather than retroactively altering the September numbers already on file.

Conclusion

The September 2026 performance at Encore Boston Harbor demonstrates how a sustained labor action can produce rapid and measurable effects on both gross gaming revenue and associated tax collections. The $46.1 million result, down 22.1 percent year-over-year, stands as the property's weakest monthly total in more than five years and aligns directly with the timing of the strike that began on September 4. Tax remittances fell accordingly to $11.5 million, creating a parallel shortfall for state accounts. As the situation extends into October, updated commission reports will show whether operations stabilize or whether the revenue pattern continues under ongoing workforce constraints.