Encore Boston Harbor Revenue Drops Sharply as Worker Strike Enters Second Month
Viktor Peters · Oct 24, 2026
Encore Boston Harbor Revenue Drops Sharply as Worker Strike Enters Second Month
Over 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, producing measurable effects on casino operations and state revenue collections, according to newly released September figures.
Strike Details and Workforce Involvement
The two unions represent a broad cross-section of hotel, food service, and transportation employees at the Everett property, and their combined numbers exceed 1,300 people, which accounts for a significant portion of the resort's daily staffing. Negotiations between the unions and casino management have not yet produced a new contract, leaving picket lines active outside the facility throughout September and into the current month. Observers note that the duration of the work stoppage has already surpassed previous labor actions at Massachusetts gaming properties, creating sustained operational adjustments for both management and remaining staff.
September 2026 Revenue Performance
Gross gaming revenue at Encore Boston Harbor reached $46.1 million for September 2026, a 22 percent decline from the same month one year earlier, and that total represents the lowest monthly figure recorded at the property since February 2021. Slot coin-in, a key volume indicator, fell more than 20 percent over the same comparison period, while table games activity also showed measurable softening. State gaming tax receipts generated by the casino declined in line with the revenue drop, reducing the monthly contribution that flows to Massachusetts budget accounts.
Patterns in Player Behavior During the Action
Data released in early October 2026 shows that the revenue contraction occurred across multiple gaming segments rather than being isolated to a single area. Slot machine utilization dropped noticeably on weekdays and weekends alike, suggesting that both local patrons and visitors from greater Boston adjusted their visitation patterns once the strike became public knowledge. Those who have tracked similar labor disputes at other regional casinos point out that customer traffic can shift quickly when service levels change or when media coverage highlights ongoing negotiations.
September's performance also marks a departure from the post-pandemic recovery trajectory that Encore Boston Harbor had followed through most of 2025 and the first half of 2026. Monthly totals had climbed steadily toward pre-2020 benchmarks, yet the sudden drop in September reversed several months of incremental gains in a single reporting period. Analysts reviewing the September 2026 monthly casino revenue reports note that the property's results diverged from statewide trends, where several other Massachusetts gaming venues posted smaller year-over-year changes.
Tax Revenue Implications for the State
The reduction in gaming tax payments from Encore Boston Harbor flows directly into state accounts designated for education, local aid, and problem-gambling programs. Because the casino operates under a fixed tax rate structure, the 22 percent revenue decline produced a proportional drop in the tax remittance for the month. State officials have not yet indicated whether the shortfall will require adjustments to quarterly revenue projections, but the timing coincides with budget planning cycles that rely on consistent gaming contributions.
Operational Adjustments at the Property
Management at Encore Boston Harbor has maintained limited food and beverage service and has consolidated certain hotel functions while the strike continues. These changes have altered the overall guest experience for visitors who still arrive, and some regular patrons have reported longer wait times at remaining open outlets. The property continues to operate its gaming floor around the clock, yet the combination of reduced staffing and lower customer volume has produced quieter conditions on many shifts compared with pre-strike levels.
Looking Ahead as Negotiations Continue
With the strike now extending into its second month, both sides face pressure to reach terms before October revenue figures compound the September decline. Union representatives have maintained public picket lines and have organized support events, while casino management has continued to communicate directly with guests about ongoing operations. The next set of monthly gaming data, expected in early November 2026, will provide further clarity on whether the revenue impact stabilizes or deepens as the labor action persists.
Conclusion
The September 2026 results establish a clear connection between the ongoing labor dispute and measurable business outcomes at Encore Boston Harbor. Revenue, volume metrics, and tax contributions all moved lower in tandem with the start of the strike, creating a distinct data point within the property's operating history. As talks between the unions and management proceed, the October figures will determine whether the downturn represents a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in performance.