Encore Boston Harbor Gaming Tax Hits 5-Year Low In Strike

Encore Boston Harbor paid $11.5 million in gaming taxes to Massachusetts in September 2026, the lowest monthly remittance from the Everett casino in more than five and a half years.

Gross gaming revenue fell 22% from a year earlier, and the decline comes during a strike that began on September 4, according to GBH News and the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's September revenue report.

The September Numbers

Encore's gross gaming revenue was $46.1 million, down from $59.1 million in September 2025. The $11.5 million tax payment was more than $4 million below August and $3.5 million below the average of the previous 12 months. Slot coin-in fell 20.3% to $354.4 million from $444.4 million.

Commission Chair Jordan Maynard noted at Thursday's commission meeting that it was the lowest remittance from Encore since the height of the pandemic. GBH reported it was also the lowest monthly gross gaming revenue since February 2021.

The state's other casinos held steady. Gross gaming revenue at MGM Springfield fell 1.2% and at Plainridge Park Casino rose 2.4%, while slot coin-in rose 4.7% and 4.2% respectively.

Operations during the strike

About 1,300 casino employees walked off the job on September 4, seeking better wages, benefits and protections, and picketing continues outside the property.

Caitlin Monahan, director of the commission's Investigations and Enforcement Bureau, told commissioners on Tuesday that Encore has closed all of its company-operated restaurants, though vendor-operated outlets remain open. The Center Bar, Sports Bar, and complimentary alcohol service are running on reduced schedules.

Monahan said managers and table-game dealers are covering slot attendant and cage cashier duties while those departments are on strike. Registered department managers and employees also serve and bartend when not busy with their main roles. 

Our earlier report covers the start of the strike over pay, benefits and job security.

What Each Side Said

UNITE HERE Local 26 president Carlos Aramayo said he had not expected the casino operator to lose this much revenue and blamed the company's bargaining position. He said the sides remain far apart on core issues, including wage increases, benefits, and job security.

Wynn Resorts says it put forward a significant economic proposal in September and has been waiting for the union's response. A company spokesperson said the numbers show why a sustainable agreement matters for employees and for the state's tax receipts.

Commissioner Paul Brodeur said the commission should keep in mind that the revenue impacts on the Commonwealth are substantial, and Maynard said he hopes an agreement is reached soon.

What To Watch

October's revenue report, due next month, will show whether the trend continues while the picket line stays up.

Encore's retail sports wagering revenue also fell from the previous month, according to the commission's report. Any deal between Encore and the unions would be the clearest signal of a recovery in the tax take.

Bettors can find Massachusetts-licensed sportsbooks to get the full picture of the market.