Wynn Resorts settles Boston strike and focuses on multi-billion UAE project

The labor tensions at Encore Boston Harbor have finally cooled as Wynn Resorts reached a framework agreement with union leadership. The walkout, which began on September 4, 2026, involved approximately 1,350 employees represented by UNITE HERE Local 26 and Teamsters Local 25. The dispute centered on wage increases comparable to downtown Boston hotels, as well as the protection of healthcare benefits and job security. During the third-quarter earnings call, CEO Craig Billings expressed satisfaction with the resolution, noting that the agreement is both fair to workers and sustainable for the company.

The strike had a tangible impact on the property's performance, with operating revenue for Encore Boston Harbor falling to $194.7 million in the third quarter of 2026. This represents a $17.1 million decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. Table-games win percentage also saw a slight dip to 18.9%, down from 20.5% a year earlier. Despite these headwinds, Billings remains confident in the asset, highlighting the $2.6 billion investment that transformed a contaminated site into a major economic driver generating over $1.1 billion in tax revenues.

Numbers and facts

Wynn Resorts is increasingly looking towards its international expansion, particularly the Wynn Al Marjan Island project in the United Arab Emirates. During the third quarter of 2026, the company contributed $62.2 million in cash to the joint venture, bringing its total contribution to the project to $1.12 billion. Wynn maintains a 40% ownership stake in the development. The resort is scheduled to open its doors on September 27, 2027. Construction is moving at a rapid pace, with finishing work already underway and plans to hand over the first operational zones early next year.

"I’m pleased to announce that we were recently able to reach a framework for a resolution with union leadership that is both fair and economically feasible over the long-term." - Craig Billings, CEO of Wynn Resorts

While acknowledging regional uncertainties, Billings reiterated his belief in the resilience of the UAE market. Recruitment is already in full swing, with 442 employees hired as of September, mostly in senior management roles. Staff training is set to commence in the final three months leading up to the grand opening in 2027.

Background

The US regional gaming landscape is facing significant pressure from the expansion of online gaming and state-run lotteries. Billings warned that lawmakers cannot expect casinos to thrive while simultaneously flooding the market with gambling alternatives. In Massachusetts, Encore Boston Harbor competes directly with historical horse racing and the state lottery. Wynn is now being very selective about further domestic investments, though Billings identified Texas as a "fascinating" potential market due to its size and current reliance on cross-border gaming in Oklahoma.

Why it matters for German players

While the events in Boston and the UAE may seem distant, they reflect the shifting strategies of global gaming giants. In Germany, the market is strictly regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). Players in Germany should always opt for providers listed on the GGL whitelist to ensure they are protected by legal safeguards. These include a cross-operator monthly deposit limit of 1,000 Euros and a maximum stake of 1 Euro per spin on virtual slots. Such regulations are designed to prevent gambling addiction, providing a level of safety that international offshore sites often lack.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a GGL license, the situation at Wynn underscores the growing competition between land-based and digital sectors. German operators must adhere to strict technical requirements like LUGAS and OASIS to maintain their licenses. The global trend towards transparency and fair labor practices, as seen in the Boston settlement, is also a key factor for the reputation of German gambling companies. By choosing GGL-licensed sites, players avoid the legal risks associated with MGA or Curacao platforms, which do not hold valid permits in Germany and may not offer comparable player protection standards.