Encore Boston Harbor Revenue Falls to Five-Year Low as Strike Enters Second Month

Encore Boston Harbor posted its lowest monthly gross gaming revenue in more than five years during September 2026, according to state records, as roughly 1,350 unionized workers remained off the job through the entire month. The casino, owned by Wynn Resorts, recorded $46.1 million in gross gaming revenue, a 22.1 percent decline from the $59.1 million generated in September 2025, while the state collected approximately $11.5 million in gaming taxes from the property.

Strike Timeline and Scope

The labor action began on September 4, 2026, when members of Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 walked off the job after contract talks stalled over wages and benefits, and the walkout continued without interruption through the end of the month. Observers note that the timing coincided with the traditional late-summer slowdown in regional tourism, which compounded the revenue pressure created by reduced staffing levels inside the casino and hotel. Those who track Massachusetts gaming data have seen similar patterns at other properties when labor disputes extend beyond a few weeks, although the scale of this particular stoppage stands out because of the size of the bargaining units involved.

Financial Impact on Operations and Taxes

State gaming tax payments dropped in line with the revenue decline, reaching roughly $11.5 million for the month, and analysts who follow the Massachusetts Gaming Commission reports point to the direct relationship between on-site activity and tax collections. The casino's performance marked the weakest September result since at least 2021, and figures from the commission show that slot and table games both contributed to the shortfall as guest services operated with reduced capacity. Data released by the commission later in October confirmed the September numbers without revision, giving regulators and industry participants a clear snapshot of how the strike affected one of the state's three casino resorts.

Union Positions and Negotiation Status

Union representatives have maintained that higher wages and improved benefits remain the core issues, and the two locals have coordinated their efforts throughout the dispute. Management at Encore Boston Harbor has continued limited operations with non-union staff and temporary replacements, yet the revenue numbers released in October indicate that this approach has not fully offset the absence of the regular workforce. People familiar with past negotiations in the regional hospitality sector note that extended strikes often produce measurable revenue gaps that persist for several reporting periods even after workers return.

Broader Context Within Massachusetts Gaming

While other Massachusetts casinos reported more stable results for the same period, the contrast highlights how a single property-level disruption can shift monthly totals. The commission's October release of September data placed Encore Boston Harbor's performance in context with the statewide total, and those numbers showed the property's contribution to overall tax revenue falling more sharply than its competitors. Because the strike carried into early October, industry observers continue to watch daily win figures for signs of stabilization once any settlement is reached.

Looking Ahead

October 2026 figures will not be available until mid-November, but the ongoing nature of the dispute means the next report will likely reflect at least part of another month of reduced operations. Regulatory filings indicate that the commission will continue to publish the standard monthly breakdowns, allowing direct comparison with both the strike period and prior years. The situation at Encore Boston Harbor therefore remains a focal point for anyone monitoring how labor agreements intersect with gaming revenue performance in the state.

Conclusion

The September 2026 results at Encore Boston Harbor illustrate the direct connection between workforce availability and monthly gross gaming revenue, with state data showing a clear year-over-year decline during the strike. As the labor action moves deeper into October, the next set of commission reports will provide further detail on whether the revenue trend continues or begins to recover once staffing levels normalize.