Inside The Details Of Encore Boston Harbor’s Expansion Plan

Last month, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted approval to Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, allowing them to include gaming facilities as part of their expansion plan on a nearby parcel of land. This move will enable the largest casino in Massachusetts to further expand its operations.

The inclusion of gambling components in the plan does not imply that the expansion itself has been approved.

Encore Boston Harbor expansion details

EBH, built in 2019, occupies a 33-acre plot of land on the eastern side of the Mystic River, conveniently located a mere 5 miles away from downtown Boston.

Alongside providing accommodations, dining choices, and entertainment facilities, the resort also features an extensive range of amenities including 2,700 slot machines, 185 table games, and 100 WynnBET Massachusetts Sportsbook kiosks.

Per MGC records, the upcoming project will encompass the subsequent elements:

• There is an estimated total of 20,000 square feet designated for restaurant purposes.
• Another space dedicated to sports betting.
• A dedicated poker room
• A venue for live entertainment and a nightclub
• A 2,200-space parking garage
• The current casino will be linked to the new facility through a raised pedestrian bridge measuring 400 feet in length.

Furthermore, EBH expressed their intentions to potentially incorporate two hotels north of the recently proposed development.

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Determining legality

In the past, the land opposite EBH was owned by the Monsanto Chemical Company. In 2013, the residents of Everett voted in favor of EBH’s expansion plans through a city referendum, with an overwhelming 86% of voters supporting the casino.

Nevertheless, there was a debate within the MGC regarding whether the approved referendum allowed for the casino to be established at a different location instead of the one initially acquired by Wynn Resorts. Despite this, Wynn Resorts still oversees EBH, but the casino itself was bought by Realty Income Corporation, based in San Diego, in December 2022.

In March of last year, the MGC determined that the commission’s jurisdiction did not extend to a previous edition of EBH’s plan, which did not incorporate gambling spaces. In other words, a facility lacking gambling activities falls outside the MGC’s purview.

In the recent past, the MGC made a decision through a 4-1 vote, granting approval to the revised proposal, which now includes gaming areas. Commissioner Eileen O’Brien was the only member who dissented, expressing worries regarding the absence of defined limits on future expansions. Additionally, she stated that the residents of Everett should have been consulted regarding the modified plan and the potential for future developments exceeding what was initially agreed upon in 2013.

Meanwhile, individuals interested in betting can indulge in EBH’s Vegas-inspired sportsbook. On Friday, online sports betting will commence, and WynnBET, EBH’s partner, will be one of the seven operators providing mobile betting services on that day.