Encore Boston Harbor

Encore Boston Harbor is a luxury resort and casino located on the Mystic River in Everett, Massachusetts. Owned and operated by Wynn Resorts, the $2.6 billion property opened in June 2019 following a competitive state licensing process. It is the sole casino in the Greater Boston area and a major component of the Massachusetts gaming industry.

History

The development originated from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission's 2011 authorization of expanded gaming under the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act. Wynn Resorts, led by then-CEO Steve Wynn, secured the sole eastern Massachusetts license after a protracted review that included a rival bid from Mohegan Sun for a site in Revere, Massachusetts. The project faced significant regulatory hurdles, including environmental remediation of the heavily contaminated former Monsanto chemical plant site. Construction commenced in 2015, but was overshadowed in 2018 by allegations against Steve Wynn, leading to his resignation and a record $35 million fine against the company from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The property opened under the leadership of new CEO Matt Maddox.

Facilities and amenities

The 33-acre waterfront complex features a 27-story hotel tower with 671 rooms and suites, designed by architecture firm Wimberly, Allison, Tong & Goo. Its gaming floor spans approximately 210,000 square feet, while dining options include venues by acclaimed chefs such as Frank McClelland and Shaun Hergatt. The resort incorporates extensive curated art collections, a 2,700-seat event center, a luxury spa, and a series of manicured gardens and outdoor spaces. A key feature is the restored Mystic River shoreline and a seasonal water shuttle connecting to Boston's Seaport District.

Gaming operations

The casino floor offers over 3,100 slot machines and 185 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. A dedicated poker room hosts daily tournaments and cash games, operating under regulations set by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The property also contains a sportsbook for wagering on professional and collegiate sports, following the 2018 Supreme Court of the United States decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. All gaming operations are subject to continuous oversight by state regulators to ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act.

Economic impact and community relations

As the largest private single-phase development in Massachusetts history, the resort created over 5,000 permanent jobs and generated thousands of construction positions. Under its host community agreement with Everett, Massachusetts, the city receives annual payments that have funded local infrastructure, education, and public safety initiatives. The property is a significant contributor to state tax revenue, with a portion allocated to local aid and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Gaming Revenue Fund. Community relations have included partnerships with organizations like the Greater Boston Food Bank and ongoing dialogue with neighboring municipalities such as Somerville, Massachusetts and Charlestown.

Legal and regulatory environment

The operation is governed by the strict regulatory framework of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which conducts thorough background investigations and maintains ongoing compliance enforcement. Key legal mandates include the Massachusetts Expanded Gaming Act and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, which guided the site's cleanup. The resort's licensing was contingent on meeting commitments related to traffic mitigation, environmental stewardship, and responsible gaming programs. Ongoing legal matters involve adherence to the Bank Secrecy Act and regulations from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.

Category:Casinos in Massachusetts Category:Buildings and structures in Everett, Massachusetts Category:Wynn Resorts