Encore Boston Harbor Reports Lowest Gaming Revenue in Five Years Amid Ongoing Worker Strike

Encore Boston Harbor, a property owned by Wynn Resorts, posted gross gaming revenue of roughly $46.1 million for September 2026, a figure that marks the lowest monthly total in more than five years while an employee strike continued at the facility. The decline measured 22.1 percent compared with the $59.1 million recorded in September 2025, and it represents the weakest performance since February 2021. State tax collections tied to the casino dropped in tandem, falling to approximately $11.5 million from $14.8 million during the same period one year earlier.

Strike Begins Early in September

Around 1,350 employees walked off the job on September 4, 2026, and the action remained in place throughout the month. Observers note that the timing aligned directly with the revenue shortfall, because the property operated without its usual complement of staff across table games, slots, and hospitality roles. Data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission shows the property's September results came in well below prior-year levels, and analysts have connected the dip to reduced operational capacity during the labor action.

Revenue Figures and Historical Context

The $46.1 million total stands out because it undercuts every monthly reading recorded since early 2021, a span that covers more than five years of operations. September 2025 had produced $59.1 million, so the year-over-year comparison highlights a clear contraction. Those who've tracked the property's performance point out that the drop occurred even though the broader Massachusetts casino market continued to report results in line with seasonal norms. The commission's monthly reports capture these numbers directly, and the figures reveal that Encore Boston Harbor's share of statewide gaming activity shrank noticeably during the strike period.

Tax Revenue Impact on the State

State tax receipts from the property fell to $11.5 million, down from $14.8 million the previous September. Because the tax rate remains fixed, the lower collections mirror the reduced gross gaming revenue almost exactly. Officials at the Massachusetts Gaming Commission compile these statistics each month, and the September 2026 data set shows the shortfall in both gaming and tax categories. The reduction affects local and state budgets that rely on casino contributions, yet the commission continues to publish the numbers without adjustment for labor disputes.

Operational Adjustments During the Dispute

With the strike underway, management at Encore Boston Harbor adjusted floor operations and service offerings to maintain basic functionality. Table games and slot areas operated at reduced capacity, and some hospitality services faced staffing shortages. Those monitoring the situation note that the property maintained its license requirements while the labor action persisted into October 2026, though the revenue trajectory for that month has not yet been released. The commission's data collection process continues regardless of staffing levels, so future reports will show whether the pattern holds.

Comparison With Earlier Performance

February 2021 remains the last month in which the property posted a lower gross gaming revenue figure than the $46.1 million seen in September 2026. Since that time the casino has expanded amenities, opened additional dining options, and increased its marketing reach across the Boston metro area. The September 2026 result therefore stands apart from the multi-year trend of steady or growing monthly totals. Data indicates the strike created the primary variable that interrupted this longer pattern.

Looking Ahead

As October 2026 progresses, the strike continues without a reported resolution, and industry observers continue to watch daily activity levels at the property. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will release its next set of monthly figures in the coming weeks, and those numbers will clarify whether the revenue decline extends beyond September. The commission's public reports remain the official source for gross gaming revenue and tax collection statistics, and they are available directly through massgaming.com.

Conclusion

The September 2026 performance at Encore Boston Harbor illustrates how a prolonged labor action can influence both gross gaming revenue and associated state tax collections within a single reporting period. The $46.1 million total, the 22.1 percent year-over-year drop, and the parallel decline in tax receipts to $11.5 million all trace back to the strike that began on September 4 and involved roughly 1,350 workers. The commission's records place this month as the weakest since February 2021, providing a clear benchmark for future comparisons once the labor situation reaches a conclusion.