Yet Billings, the new CEO, told financial analysts the new development “would help drive growth at Encore Boston, in part because the new 2,310-space parking garage would help alleviate parking constraints at the casino.” As reported by CommonWealth, Encore officials described the new entertainment center to state regulators as a distinct and separate entity that would not enhance Encore’s gaming area.

Now comes Wynn Resorts’ plan, as outlined by CommonWealth magazine, “to build bars, restaurants, an event venue, a parking garage, and two hotels on property across the street, to be connected to Encore Boston Harbor via an enclosed pedestrian bridge across Broadway.” This property is owned by East Broadway LLC, which like the gaming licensee, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wynn Resorts. In February, Wynn Resorts announced it was selling Encore’s land and real estate and leasing it back, in what has become a common way to raise capital in the casino industry. Last November, Maddox announced he was stepping down, and a new CEO, Craig Billings, was named. In 2020, the casino weathered the coronavirus pandemic-related shutdown but has been bouncing back. Meanwhile, the $2.6 billion Encore casino project moved forward and opened its doors in June 2019. Matt Maddox, a Steve Wynn protégé who took over as CEO, was also fined $500,000 for what state regulators said was a failure to properly investigate at least one misconduct complaint and was ordered to get leadership training. After an investigation and hearings, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission allowed Wynn Resorts to keep its license but levied a $35 million fine against the company for the actions of former executives who were believed to have covered up for Wynn.

Encore casino in boston ma