Encore Boston Harbor's Revenue Plunge: What the 22% Drop Really Means

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-23

When a casino's revenue falls by nearly a quarter, you have to wonder what's going on. For Encore Boston Harbor, the answer is simple: a worker strike. But the story goes deeper than just numbers. ### The Numbers Behind the Drop In September 2026, Encore Boston Harbor reported gross gaming revenue (GGR) of about $46.1 million. That's down 22.1% from the $59.1 million it brought in during September 2025. According to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, this is the lowest monthly GGR the Everett casino has seen in over five years. To put that in perspective, the last time revenue was this low was February 2021, when it hit around $41 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, yeah, it's a big deal. ### The Strike That Shook the Casino The culprit? A strike involving approximately 1,350 employees. That's a significant chunk of the workforce. When you've got that many people walking off the job, operations are bound to suffer. Fewer dealers, fewer servers, fewer security staff—it all adds up. But here's the thing: casinos are resilient. They've bounced back from worse. The question is, how long will this strike last, and what will it take to resolve it? ### What This Means for the Casino Industry Encore Boston Harbor is owned by Wynn Resorts, a major player in the gaming industry. A revenue drop like this doesn't just affect the bottom line; it sends ripples through the local economy and the labor market. - **Local economy:** Fewer visitors mean less spending at nearby restaurants and shops. - **Labor relations:** This strike could set a precedent for how casinos negotiate with unions in the future. - **Investor confidence:** Wynn Resorts' stock might take a hit, at least in the short term. > "A 22% drop is a wake-up call. It shows that labor disputes can have immediate and tangible impacts on revenue," said one industry analyst. ### The Road Ahead So, what's next? Encore Boston Harbor needs to get its employees back to work. That means negotiations, compromises, and probably some concessions on both sides. The sooner they resolve this, the sooner revenue can start to recover. In the meantime, other casinos in the region might see a bump as patrons look for alternatives. But don't count Encore out—it's still a premier destination, and once the strike ends, it's likely to bounce back. ### Final Thoughts The bottom line is that this strike is costing Encore Boston Harbor millions. It's a reminder that in the casino business, it's not just about the games—it's about the people who make them happen. Without them, the house doesn't win. We'll keep an eye on this story as it develops. Stay tuned.