The largest casino in Massachusetts has plans to get even bigger. Encore Boston Harbor in Everett received approval from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last month to include gaming facilities in its expansion plan for a parcel of land next to the casino resort.
That does not mean the expansion itself is approved yet. It just means that gambling elements can be part of that package.
Encore Birkenstock boston Harbor improvement details
Produced in 2019, EBH sits on 33 acres on the eastern bank of the Marvel River and is just 5 miles from downtown Boston.
In addition to lodging, leisure, and dining options, the resort has 2,700 slots, 185 table games, and 100 WynnBET Massachusetts Sportsbook kiosks.
According to MGC documents, the new development would include the following:
- Approximately 10,000 square feet of restaurant space
- A new sports betting venue
- A dedicated poker room
- A live entertainment venue and a bar
- A 2,200-space parking garage
- A 400-foot high pedestrian bridge connecting the existing casino to the new facility
Additionally, EBH mentioned that future additions may include two hotels to the north of the new development.
Determining legitimacy
Previously, Monsanto Chemical Company owned the land adjacent to EBH. In 2013, Everett residents approved EBH’s development plans in a city referendum, with approximately 86% of voters supporting the casino.
However, the MGC questioned whether the approved referendum allowed the casino to be located in a different site than the original one acquired by Wynn Resorts. While Wynn Resorts still owns EBH, it was purchased by San Diego-based Real Estate Income Trust in December 2022. Purchased typically the casino keep away from 2022.
Here is the corrected version of the text with grammar and punctuation errors fixed:
Last March, the MGC determined that a previous version of EBH’s plan, which did not include gaming areas, was not within the commission’s jurisdiction. Translation: A facility without gaming is outside of the MGC’s authority.
Fast forward to last month when the MGC voted 4-1 to approve the revised proposal that does include gaming areas. The lone dissenting vote came from Commissioner Michael O’Brien, who expressed concerns about the lack of regulations on future expansions. He also indicated that Everett residents should have been consulted about the revised plan and the potential for future additions beyond the actual vote suitable for in 2013.
Meanwhile, gamblers can enjoy EBH’s Vegas-style sportsbook. Online betting launches on Friday, and EBH partner WynnBET will be among the seven operators offering mobile betting that day.
Cheryl Coward is a team writer suited for PlayMA with a background in sports writing. She started her career as a media reporter in Washington, D.C. She is an ardent supporter of women’s basketball and founded the website Hoopfeed.com out of that love. Her past experience covers gambling and even sports betting throughout California, like her extensive coverage of the Brace 26 or Prop twenty seven election conflict.
