By Josh Resnek
For the first time in three months, gaming numbers have risen at the Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett.
Although gaming numbers at the sprawling development remain softer than originally anticipated, this reversal of current fortunes indicates the casino is holding its own in this new marketplace during the leanest time of year for the gaming industry.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported earlier this week that Encore’s overall figures – slots and table game combined – produced $47,308,089 in revenues in November.
That was up from October’s total of $45,812,827 and slightly less than September’s total of $48,958,335.
State tax receipts for November were $11,453,206, off about $500,000 from October’s tax take of $11,827,022 and far away from the September tax take which was $12.2 million.
Tables games produced about $1 million more in November than in October.
Slot machine use and revenues have been lagging for months, went up in November by about $500,000.
Encore made great marketing efforts during November and going into December to make the place more affordable for local visitors.
Parking charges were eliminated.
Patrons can now park without charge.
Also, Encore vastly lowered the prices for hotel rooms across the board as well as offering comps for food as part of its Red Card advantage program for its customers.
Casino revenues have not lived up to Wynn Corporation’s predictions. Annualized first year income projections are off buy about $200 million and should amount to about $600 million when all is said and done.