Encore Boston Harbor
Image: Jim Madigan/Shutterstock

The Wynn Resorts-owned Encore Boston Harbor can commence the construction of its new gaming facility following approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission

The new site, which will be located just outside of the Boston city limits, and across the street from Encore’s current location, will include a sportsbook and poker room, along with a parking garage, theatre and comedy club. 

Speaking to Casino City earlier this month, Jenny Holaday, President of Encore Boston Harbor, expressed: “So, assuming we pass all of our permitting, we hope to have a shovel in the ground this June.

“We have a beautiful sportsbook here [at the current location] for a city that has over four million people who are over the age of 21. So, if we get what we are petitioning to have across the street, also being designated as a gaming space, and if we pass that hurdle, there will be a second sportsbook over there. 

“We won’t close this one. We will need two for Boston. It will probably be about the same size. The difference over there is right now the plan is for the food and beverage to be integrated into the room. 

“Here we took advantage of having food outlets flank us, but it will all be part of one. It will be like the ultimate sports bar/sportsbook.”

There had been discussions on whether or not gaming could take place at the expansion site with Encore’s original plan to make the expansion a non-gaming facility. However, it went back to the MGC to request gaming at the now approved property. 

Currently, Encore Boston Harbor features the WynnBet Sportsbook with 70 televisions, including a 10-foot high and 123-foot -long video wall and 10 betting windows. Additionally, the resort houses 120 kiosks placed throughout the casino grounds, including a room of 20 in what’s known as the WynnBet Express Sportsbook located on the B1 level of the North parking garage.