Encore Boston Harbor Records Lowest Monthly Revenue in Over Five Years During September 2026 Strike
Alex Beck · Oct 24, 2026
Encore Boston Harbor Records Lowest Monthly Revenue in Over Five Years During September 2026 Strike
The Massachusetts casino recorded approximately $46.1 million in gross gaming revenue for September 2026, a figure that represents its weakest monthly performance since February 2021 according to data released by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, and the decline coincides directly with a labor strike involving roughly 1,350 employees that began on September 4. Wynn Resorts owns the property, and the ongoing dispute centers on contract negotiations involving wages and benefits while the facility maintains limited operations despite staffing shortages that affect multiple service areas. State tax collections from the casino also fell in line with the revenue drop, reflecting reduced activity across table games, slot machines, and other gaming offerings.
Year-over-year comparisons show a 22.1 percent decrease from the $59.1 million generated in September 2025, and observers note that the strike has persisted into October 2026 without resolution as of the latest reporting period. The casino continues to function with reduced staffing levels, which has led to adjustments in shift schedules and certain amenities operating below normal capacity, yet management has kept all gaming floors open throughout the dispute.
Details of the Labor Action and Contract Negotiations
The walkout started when union members rejected proposals from Wynn Resorts on key issues including wage increases and expanded health benefits, and the action has involved workers from multiple departments such as dealers, servers, and maintenance staff. Negotiations remain active, with both sides exchanging revised offers in recent weeks, although no agreement has been reached that would allow employees to return to full schedules. The property has relied on temporary staffing measures and cross-training of remaining personnel to sustain basic gaming functions, which has helped prevent complete shutdowns but has also contributed to longer wait times in some areas of the resort.
Those familiar with the situation point out that the strike represents one of the longer labor actions at a major Massachusetts casino since the state legalized expanded gaming, and the timing in early September caught the property during what is typically a strong shoulder season for regional tourism. Employee representatives have emphasized demands for competitive pay scales that match inflation and regional living costs, while company officials have cited operational challenges in meeting those requests amid broader industry pressures.
Revenue Performance and Regulatory Reporting
Commission figures break down the September 2026 totals across slots, table games, and other categories, revealing uniform declines that align with reduced foot traffic and shorter operating hours in certain sections. The $46.1 million total marks the lowest monthly gross gaming revenue since the property reopened after pandemic-related closures, and analysts tracking Massachusetts casinos have linked the drop primarily to the labor situation rather than seasonal fluctuations or broader economic trends. Tax remittances to the state, calculated as a percentage of gross gaming revenue, decreased proportionally, affecting local and regional budgets that rely on casino contributions for public services.
Additional context from regulatory filings shows that Encore Boston Harbor had posted consistent monthly gains in the preceding periods of 2026 before the strike began, and the September results stand out as an outlier when compared against the same month in prior non-strike years. The commission continues to monitor compliance with licensing requirements during the labor action, ensuring that gaming integrity and player protections remain in place even as staffing levels fluctuate.
Operational Adjustments and Continued Casino Functions
Management has implemented staggered shifts and prioritized high-traffic gaming areas to maintain revenue streams while the strike continues, and these measures have allowed the property to avoid full closures that might otherwise compound financial losses. Guests have reported mixed experiences with service levels, including some delays at restaurants and hotel check-in points, yet core gaming operations have stayed accessible throughout September and into October 2026. The resort has also adjusted marketing efforts to emphasize its open status, attempting to attract visitors despite the visible labor presence outside the facility.
Union activities include regular picket lines and public statements detailing negotiation progress, which have drawn local media coverage and occasional support from other labor groups in the Boston area. Wynn Resorts has maintained that it remains committed to reaching a fair contract, and both parties have participated in mediation sessions facilitated by state labor officials in recent weeks.
Conclusion
The September 2026 results underscore the direct connection between labor stability and gaming revenue at Encore Boston Harbor, with the strike producing measurable effects on both the bottom line and associated state tax payments. As negotiations proceed without a settlement, the property faces ongoing challenges in restoring pre-strike performance levels, while the Massachusetts Gaming Commission continues to publish monthly data that tracks these developments. The situation remains fluid as October 2026 advances, with outcomes dependent on the resolution timeline for the current contract dispute.