Encore Boston Harbor Expects June 23 Launch With Or Without Sports Betting

• The total funds invested in Encore Boston Harbor has surpassed $2.5 billion.
• The casino will be able to pair with Miomni Gaming and BetBull through partnership deals.
• The three casinos in Massachusetts have agreed upon how sports betting should play out.

BOSTON – The Encore Boston Harbor is still scheduled to make its grand opening launch date of June 23.

While sports betting in Massachusetts has yet to be finalized, the casino believes that they will be granted a license assuming legalization occurs this year.

During the private hearings held last week in the statehouse, the three commercial casinos of the state came together to explain how the market should look in Massachusetts.

The casinos want exclusive access to offer land-based sportsbooks, with a tax rate in the single digits. As for mobile betting, their belief was that it should be offered at the venues only, or on a platform operated by the daily fantasy companies.

Many weren’t sure if Encore Boston would be on board with sports betting at their venue. However, it became clear when Michael Weaver, Chief Communications Officer of Wynn Resorts, explained how this is the only Wynn property outside of Las Vegas (within the US).

“We do support the concept and introduction of sports betting in the Commonwealth,” said Weaver.

Last year, Encore acquired nearly a quarter of the stake in BetBull, an international sportsbook supplier. The casino also has ties to Miomni Gaming through their Nevada properties.

Sports betting isn’t the only facet of gaming Encore Boston is looking to entertain. The casino also had applied to become a lottery retailer and plans on adding eight terminals near the high-volume areas within the complex.

Additionally, the casino will offer nearly 250 table games and over 3000 slot machines… all within the 210,000 square-foot gaming floor.

The grand opening is expected to sell out their 671-room hotel, meaning nearly all of the 5800 people being employed at the casino will be needed that weekend.

“Our grand opening campaign shares the best of Massachusetts with our global guests, creating a memorable experience for them as we become part of the local culture and community, said Joan Esneault.

Esneault has been with Encore for over two years, working as the Executive Director of Hotel Sales and Catering. But she knows that creating those experiences stem further from just gambling.

Encore has purchased VIP luxury seats for the Celtics, Patriots, Bruins, and Red Sox to make a further connection with the sports fans in the town.

The casino didn’t waste any money in ensuring this venue is top-notch and ready to go for their launch. The funds required for the buildout and launch ($2.6 billion) have doubled that of what MGM Springfield put into their complex.

With or without legal sports betting, Encore will be ready to take control of the Massachusetts market. The legislature meets throughout the year, so there is no rush to finalize sports betting plans; however, getting it secured before the NFL season begins is paramount.

Massachusetts has over a dozen sports betting bills filed in the legislature. One of them almost appears like it will have to find a way to come out on top.

News tags: BetBull | Encore Boston Harbor | Miomni Gaming | Wynn Resorts