Encore Boston Harbor Revenue Drops Sharply as Strike Enters Second Month

More than 1,300 workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25 walked off the job at Encore Boston Harbor on September 4, 2026, and the action has continued without interruption into October, prompting measurable effects on casino operations and state collections. The facility sits in Everett, Massachusetts, and the prolonged stoppage has coincided with a 22 percent year-over-year decline in gross gaming revenue for September, bringing the monthly total to 46.1 million dollars, the lowest figure recorded since February 2021.

Strike Details and Workforce Involvement

Union members from both locals have maintained picket lines at multiple access points around the property, while management has continued limited operations with replacement staff. The two unions together represent the bulk of the casino's hourly workforce, covering roles that range from dealers and servers to housekeeping and warehouse positions. Observers note that the scale of participation has kept daily staffing levels noticeably below normal capacity, and data from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission shows corresponding reductions in table game activity and slot machine utilization throughout the month.

Revenue and Operational Metrics for September 2026

Gross gaming revenue fell from the previous September's 59.1 million dollars to the current 46.1 million dollars, a drop that aligns with reduced foot traffic and lower machine play. Slot coin-in, the total amount wagered on electronic gaming devices, declined more than 20 percent compared with the same month in 2025. State gaming tax revenue, which is calculated as a percentage of gross gaming revenue, also decreased in line with the overall shortfall, although exact tax figures appear in separate monthly releases issued by the commission. These September numbers mark the first full reporting period since the strike began, providing a clear baseline for measuring the labor action's immediate financial footprint.

Tax Collections and State Revenue Context

The Massachusetts Gaming Commission tracks monthly performance at all three casinos in the state, and the September report for Encore Boston Harbor shows the largest single-facility decline among the group. State officials receive a fixed percentage of gross gaming revenue from each property, so the 22 percent drop directly reduces the amount transferred to the general fund and to local host communities. September's results also represent the lowest monthly total since the early post-pandemic period, when capacity restrictions and health protocols limited play across the industry. Casino.org coverage of the same data release confirms the 46.1 million dollar figure and places it in the context of prior monthly reports available through state portals.

Patterns in Player Behavior During the Work Stoppage

Slot coin-in metrics provide one of the most direct indicators of customer engagement, and the more than 20 percent decline suggests that many regular patrons have either reduced visits or shifted play to other venues. Table games, which rely more heavily on live staffing, have experienced parallel softening, though specific table-drop figures are scheduled for release in the commission's full quarterly summary. Those who monitor regional gaming trends point out that the strike's timing overlapped with several major sporting events and weekend periods that typically drive higher volume, amplifying the measurable gap versus the prior year.

Timeline and Ongoing Developments Through Early October

The work stoppage reached its one-month mark on October 4, 2026, and both sides have continued negotiations without a reported agreement. Daily updates from the property indicate that some services remain curtailed, particularly in food and beverage outlets that depend on union labor. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission continues to publish weekly and monthly data sets, allowing direct comparison of performance before and after the strike began. Coverage appearing on Boston.com in late October highlighted the revenue decline and linked it to the labor dispute, drawing on the same commission statistics referenced above.

Conclusion

September 2026 figures establish a clear correlation between the ongoing strike at Encore Boston Harbor and reduced revenue across gaming, slots, and state tax collections. The 46.1 million dollar gross gaming revenue total and the more than 20 percent drop in slot coin-in provide concrete benchmarks for assessing the situation as talks continue into the fall. Further monthly reports from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission will supply additional data points on whether the pattern persists or shifts as negotiations progress.