Encore Boston Harbor Records Sharp Revenue Drop During Ongoing Worker Strike

Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts posted gross gaming revenue of $46.1 million for September 2026, and that total represented a 22% year-over-year decline from the $59.1 million recorded in September 2025 while also marking the facility's lowest monthly figure since February 2021. Observers note the drop coincided exactly with the start of a labor action involving more than 1,300 workers, and the strike began on September 4, 2026 under representation from unions including UNITE HERE Local 26 along with Teamsters Local 25. Data from state reports shows the casino's performance contrasted with steadier results at MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino during the same period, and those properties did not experience similar disruptions.

Breakdown of Monthly Gaming Figures

State officials released the September 2026 numbers in mid-October, and the figures reveal how quickly revenue can shift when operations face sustained labor challenges. The $46.1 million total covered all gaming activity across slots, table games, and sports wagering, yet it fell well below the levels seen in the prior year when no strike was underway. Researchers tracking Massachusetts gaming data point out that this September result sits noticeably lower than recent post-pandemic months, and the decline aligns directly with the timing of the work stoppage rather than broader market trends. Other state casinos maintained relatively consistent revenue streams, which highlights how localized the impact remained at Encore Boston Harbor alone.

Details of the Labor Action and Its Timing

The strike commenced on September 4, 2026 after contract negotiations between the casino and the unions reached an impasse, and more than 1,300 employees walked off the job in a coordinated effort. UNITE HERE Local 26 represents hospitality and food service workers at the property, while Teamsters Local 25 covers transportation and warehouse staff, and both groups have maintained picket lines since the action began. Observers note that the walkout entered its second month by teh time October 2026 reports surfaced, and the ongoing nature of the dispute continues to affect daily operations at the resort. Those following the situation point to the extended duration as a key factor behind the revenue shortfall, since staffing shortages directly limit service capacity across gaming floors, restaurants, and hotel functions.

Impact on State Gaming Tax Collections

State gaming tax revenue from Encore Boston Harbor fell to $11.5 million in September 2026, down from $14.8 million collected in the same month of 2025, and this reduction mirrors the 22% drop in gross gaming revenue. Massachusetts distributes a portion of these taxes to local communities including Everett, and the lower collections mean reduced funding flows during the strike period. Figures released alongside the revenue data show how closely tax receipts track overall casino performance, and the September decline stands as one of the more pronounced monthly changes recorded since the property opened. Officials continue to monitor collections as the labor situation persists into October 2026, and further updates are expected in upcoming monthly reports.

Comparison With Other Massachusetts Casinos

MGM Springfield and Plainridge Park Casino reported relatively steady results for September 2026, and neither property faced comparable labor actions during the month. Data indicates these venues maintained revenue levels close to their 2025 benchmarks, which underscores the isolated nature of the challenges at Encore Boston Harbor. Those reviewing statewide totals note that the overall Massachusetts gaming market did not experience a uniform downturn, and the contrast helps isolate the strike as the primary driver behind the Everett facility's decline. State regulators compile these comparative figures each month, and the September 2026 release provides clear evidence of how one location can diverge sharply when internal disruptions occur.

Context Within Recent Casino Performance Trends

Encore Boston Harbor had posted stronger monthly totals throughout much of 2025 and early 2026, yet the September result reversed that pattern and returned revenue to levels last seen in early 2021. The timing aligns precisely with the start of the strike, and no other major external factors such as weather events or regulatory changes appear in the same reporting window. People who track industry data often examine year-over-year comparisons to account for seasonal patterns, and the 22% decline stands out even after such adjustments. As October 2026 progresses, stakeholders continue to watch whether the dispute resolves and how quickly revenue might recover once operations normalize.

Conclusion

The September 2026 performance at Encore Boston Harbor illustrates how labor disputes can produce immediate and measurable effects on casino revenue and associated tax collections. State reports document the $46.1 million gross gaming total alongside the parallel drop in tax revenue to $11.5 million, and the data places these outcomes in direct connection with the strike that began September 4. Other Massachusetts properties avoided similar declines during the same period, which further isolates the labor action as the central factor. Updates on both the ongoing negotiations and subsequent monthly figures will continue to emerge as the situation develops through the remainder of 2026.