Encore Boston Harbor Posts Sharp September Revenue Decline as Strike Enters Second Month

Encore Boston Harbor recorded gross gaming revenue of $46.1 million in September 2026, a total that reflects a 22 percent year-over-year drop from the $59.1 million posted in September 2025 and marks the property's weakest monthly performance since February 2021. The figures emerged in late October 2026 and coincided directly with a labor action involving more than 1,000 union workers that began on September 4 after contract expiration.

Slot coin-in at the Everett property also declined more than 20 percent during the same period, a metric that observers note often serves as a leading indicator of overall table and slot play volume. The strike, led primarily by UNITE HERE Local 26, has continued into October and has affected daily operations across multiple departments at the resort.

Strike Timeline and Scope

The work stoppage started immediately after the previous labor agreement expired on September 3, 2026, with initial reports indicating between 1,000 and 1,300 employees walking off the job on the morning of September 4. Union members represent a range of roles including dealers, servers, housekeepers, and security personnel, and their absence has required the property to operate with reduced staffing levels and temporary management coverage in several areas. Negotiations have remained ongoing without a reported resolution as of the October data release.

Revenue and Tax Impact Details

State tax revenue generated by Encore Boston Harbor fell to $11.5 million in September 2026 from $14.8 million collected in the prior-year month, a decline that aligns proportionally with the drop in gross gaming revenue. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission compiles these monthly reports from all commercial casinos in the state, and the September numbers represent the first full month of strike-related data available for public review. While the property experienced the steepest monthly decline in recent years, the commission's release placed the results within the context of the ongoing labor dispute rather than broader market trends.

Comparison With Other Massachusetts Casinos

The two other commercial casinos operating in Massachusetts reported relatively stable results for the same September period. MGM Springfield maintained year-over-year revenue levels close to its 2025 figures, and Plainridge Park Casino showed only minor fluctuations in its monthly totals. Observers note that neither property faced comparable labor actions during the month, which allowed both venues to sustain normal staffing and guest service levels throughout the reporting period.

Data released in October 2026 therefore highlights a localized impact at Encore rather than a statewide downturn in casino activity. The contrast between the three properties has drawn attention to how labor disruptions can affect individual operators even when surrounding market conditions remain steady.

Slot Performance and Operational Indicators

Slot coin-in, which measures the total amount wagered on slot machines before any payouts, dropped more than 20 percent at Encore Boston Harbor. This decline mirrors the overall gross gaming revenue reduction and suggests reduced foot traffic or shorter player sessions during the strike period. Management at the property has not released separate commentary on table games performance, yet the combined revenue figures indicate that both slot and table areas experienced measurable pressure from the reduced workforce.

Broader Context for October 2026 Reporting

Monthly casino revenue reports typically appear around the third week of the following month, and the September 2026 data arrived in this standard window. Because the strike began early in the month and has continued without interruption, analysts expect the October 2026 figures, when released, will provide further insight into whether the revenue trend stabilizes or continues to reflect staffing constraints. The current report serves as the initial benchmark for measuring the strike's financial footprint at the Everett location.

Conclusion

The September 2026 results establish a clear connection between the ongoing union strike at Encore Boston Harbor and the property's reduced gross gaming revenue and state tax contributions. With other Massachusetts casinos showing stable performance during the same period, the data isolates the labor action as the primary variable affecting operations at the Everett resort. Future monthly releases will continue to track whether the situation evolves as negotiations proceed.