Encore Boston Harbor Strike Triggers Sharp Revenue Drop in September 2026
Geschrieben von Greta Griffin · 24.10.2026
Encore Boston Harbor Strike Triggers Sharp Revenue Drop in September 2026
The strike involving more than 1,300 workers from UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 at Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts began on September 4, 2026, and has continued without resolution through subsequent weeks while the casino operated with reduced staffing levels. This labor action directly coincided with measurable declines in key performance metrics for the property, including gross gaming revenue that fell 22 percent year-over-year to reach $46.1 million for the month of September 2026. Observers note that this figure represents the lowest monthly total recorded since February 2021, when pandemic-related restrictions still limited operations across the state.
Slot coin-in, which measures the total amount wagered on slot machines, dropped more than 20 percent during the same period compared with September 2025. State gaming tax revenue collected from Encore Boston Harbor also declined in line with the reduced handle and win figures, creating a ripple effect for Massachusetts budget allocations tied to casino activity. Data from the September 2026 monthly casino revenue reports shows these patterns emerged immediately after the strike start date and persisted throughout the reporting window.
Strike Background and Workforce Details
Union members representing food service, hotel operations, and transportation roles walked off the job on September 4, 2026, after contract negotiations stalled between the unions and Wynn Resorts, the parent company of Encore Boston Harbor. The workforce includes members from both UNITE HERE Local 26, which covers hospitality positions, and Teamsters Local 25, which handles certain logistics and driving functions at the property. Management continued limited operations using replacement staff and cross-trained employees, yet overall service capacity remained constrained throughout September and into October 2026.
Those who have followed similar labor disputes at other Massachusetts gaming properties recognize that prolonged strikes often produce immediate effects on customer traffic and spending patterns. In this case, the revenue decline aligned closely with the timing of the walkout, as evidenced by daily and weekly tracking data released by state regulators. Casino floor activity slowed noticeably, with fewer tables open and reduced hours for some amenities that rely on full staffing complements.
Revenue Metrics and Comparative Figures
Gross gaming revenue of $46.1 million for September 2026 marked a clear departure from prior-year performance, when the property had posted stronger results before the labor action began. Slot coin-in figures fell more than 20 percent, indicating that both the volume of play and the number of active machines or available hours contributed to the shortfall. Table games revenue also experienced downward pressure, although slot machines accounted for the majority of the overall drop according to the breakdown in state filings.
State gaming tax collections, which are calculated as a percentage of gross gaming revenue, declined proportionally and affected the portion of funds directed to local communities and the Massachusetts General Fund. September 2026 monthly casino revenue reports available via massgaming.com confirm that Encore Boston Harbor's performance lagged behind both its own historical averages and the results posted by other casinos in the state during the same month. Analysts tracking these numbers point to the strike as the primary variable distinguishing this property's outcome from its competitors.
Operational Adjustments During the Strike
With the strike ongoing, Encore Boston Harbor implemented several operational changes to maintain basic services while negotiations continued. Certain restaurants and bars operated on shortened schedules, and some hotel floors saw reduced housekeeping frequency due to staffing shortages. Transportation services coordinated by Teamsters Local 25 members experienced similar disruptions, affecting shuttle availability for guests arriving from Boston and surrounding areas.
Customer feedback collected during September and early October 2026 reflected awareness of these changes, with some patrons choosing alternative gaming destinations in the region. The combination of visible service adjustments and media coverage of the labor dispute appears to have influenced visitation patterns, though precise attribution remains tied to the revenue data released by regulators. Slot machine utilization rates and table minimums stayed consistent with pre-strike levels where possible, yet total handle still reflected lower overall attendance.
State Revenue Implications
Massachusetts receives a fixed percentage of gross gaming revenue from each casino as tax payments, and the 22 percent drop at Encore Boston Harbor translated directly into lower collections for September 2026. These funds support local aid distributions and specific state programs, so the shortfall creates planning adjustments for agencies that rely on predictable casino contributions. Data shows the property's contribution fell below the monthly average established in the preceding twelve months, underscoring the financial linkage between labor stability and state fiscal outcomes.
Other Massachusetts casinos did not report comparable year-over-year declines during the same period, which isolates the Encore Boston Harbor situation to factors specific to that property. The September 2026 monthly casino revenue reports highlight this divergence and provide a clear benchmark for evaluating the strike's localized impact.
Conclusion
The ongoing strike at Encore Boston Harbor, which began September 4, 2026, produced a documented 22 percent decline in gross gaming revenue to $46.1 million for that month, alongside a more than 20 percent reduction in slot coin-in and corresponding drops in state tax collections. These figures, drawn from official state reports, represent the lowest monthly performance since February 2021 and coincide directly with the labor action involving over 1,300 workers from UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25. Operations continued under adjusted conditions through September and into October 2026, while revenue metrics reflected the reduced capacity. The patterns observed in the September 2026 monthly casino revenue reports illustrate the measurable connection between workforce availability and gaming performance at this specific property.