Encore Boston Harbor tax revenue falls in September
The casino’s September gaming revenue fell by more than 22 per cent year on year as 1,350 employees continued their dispute over pay and benefits.
Key takeaways
- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has called for a resolution to the labour dispute at Encore Boston Harbor.
- Encore Boston Harbor generated US$46.1m in gaming revenue in September, a year-on-year decline of more than 22 per cent.
- Teamsters Local 25 has urged Encore to offer a contract reflecting workers’ contribution, while the casino says it has already presented a significant economic proposal.
U.S.- The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has called for a resolution to the labour dispute at Encore Boston Harbor after the casino’s September tax contribution fell to its lowest level in more than five and a half years. The decline coincided with a strike by around 1,350 employees over pay and benefits.
Massachusetts collected just over US$11.5m in taxes from Encore Boston Harbor in September 2026, compared with US$14.8m in September 2025. The Everett casino reported US$46.1m in gaming revenue for the month, down more than 22 per cent year on year. At a meeting on Thursday, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chair Jordan Maynard said the state had not received such a low monthly payment from the casino since the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Paul Brodeur described the revenue impact as “substantial” and stressed that reduced tax receipts can affect funding for public services: “A dip of a quarter million dollars into the commonwealth’s revenue is a couple of teachers, it is a relevant benefit around MassHealth. It’s always important to keep in mind that these revenue impacts really are human impacts.”
Teamsters Local 25 President Tom Mari said the figures highlighted the contribution casino workers make to the business, and called on Encore to reach an agreement that reflects their role in the resort’s operations.
“These workers are fighting for what they deserve: a fair contract that reflects the value they bring to Encore,” Mari said. “The message to Encore’s management is loud and clear: you cannot expect to be one of the region’s few five-star resorts without treating the workers who make it possible with the respect they deserve.”
Encore said it had already presented a “significant economic proposal” and had been waiting several weeks for the union to resume negotiations.
The unions represent employees in positions including drivers, valets, cashiers, attendants and cooks. Their contracts expired on August 31, leaving the workers without a new agreement after negotiations with casino management failed to resolve demands. Among their requests are hourly wage increases totalling $10 over four years, a starting base wage of $25 per hour, and guarantees covering healthcare and pension benefits.
Encore Boston Harbor is operated by Wynn Resorts, which previously argued that workers’ requests need to be “grounded in financial reality” to avoid creating conditions that could lead to layoffs.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Why are Encore Boston Harbor employees on strike? Around 1,350 employees began striking in September to seek better pay and benefits. Teamsters Local 25 has called for a contract that reflects workers’ contribution to the resort.
- How much did Encore Boston Harbor generate in gaming revenue in September? The casino reported US$46.1m in gaming revenue for September 2026, down more than 22 per cent year on year.
- What has Encore Boston Harbor said about the labour dispute? Encore said it had presented a “significant economic proposal” and had been waiting several weeks for the union to resume negotiations.
