Strike Begins in Early September

More than 1,300 union workers from Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 walked off the job at Encore Boston Harbor on September 4 2026 and the action continued through the entire month while contract negotiations remained stalled. The walkout directly affected daily operations at the Wynn Resorts-owned property in Everett Massachusetts and produced immediate effects on customer service levels and overall facility activity. Observers note that the timing coincided with standard fall gaming patterns yet the absence of full staffing created bottlenecks that limited table games and slot machine utilization across multiple shifts.

September Revenue Figures Reveal Sharp Decline

Gross gaming revenue at Encore Boston Harbor fell 22 percent year-over-year to approximately 46.1 million dollars marking the lowest monthly total recorded at the property in more than five years. Figures released in early October 2026 by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission placed the property well below its typical range and highlighted how the labor disruption translated into reduced player volume and shorter operating hours in certain areas. Data shows that the September result stood in contrast to the same month in 2025 when the casino generated stronger performance without any comparable workforce interruption.

State Tax Remittance Drops Correspondingly

The gaming tax payment from Encore Boston Harbor declined to roughly 11.5 million dollars for September 2026 down from 14.8 million dollars the previous year and this figure represented the lowest remittance from the property in over five and a half years. Regulators reviewed the monthly filing and expressed concern over the sustained impact on state revenue streams that support public programs across Massachusetts. The commission's review process examined whether temporary adjustments to minimum staffing requirements or extended operating schedules could mitigate further shortfalls while the strike persisted into October.

Other Massachusetts Casinos Maintain Steady Results

Plainridge Park Casino and MGM Springfield reported relatively stable gross gaming revenue during the same September period with no comparable labor actions affecting their operations. Commission data indicates that combined statewide figures remained within historical norms once Encore Boston Harbor's results were isolated from the aggregate totals. Analysts tracking the sector observed that the contrast underscored the localized nature of the revenue shortfall rather than a broader market contraction across the state's three casino properties.

Regulatory Scrutiny and Ongoing Negotiations

Massachusetts Gaming Commission members discussed the revenue report during their October 2026 public meeting and requested additional updates on strike duration and potential resolution timelines from property management. The commission noted that continued declines could affect quarterly revenue projections used for state budgeting and emphasized the need for transparent communication between the operator and union representatives. Both Teamsters Local 25 and UNITE HERE Local 26 maintained picket lines outside the Everett facility while talks continued under the oversight of state mediators.

Looking Ahead to October Reports

With the strike still active as October 2026 began regulators prepared to monitor subsequent monthly filings closely and compare them against historical benchmarks to determine whether revenue stabilization occurs once staffing levels return to normal. The commission scheduled follow-up briefings to examine whether any operational adjustments implemented during the labor action produced measurable recovery in gaming activity. Those who follow Massachusetts casino performance expect the next set of numbers to clarify whether the September dip remains an isolated event or signals a longer adjustment period for Encore Boston Harbor.