Steering through the tumult, Encore Boston Harbor is on the brink of opening and chock full of gambling machines, table games, and card games, as well as elaborate decor - including a 2,000-pound Popeye sculpture by Jeff Koons, which Wynn had purchased for $28 million at an auction in 2014 - and so much food. The buildout has also put pressure on the local job market, with close to 5,000 estimated hires, drawing staff away from local restaurants and exacerbating a hospitality industry labor shortage that has been going on for years. Eight years later, at $2.6 billion, the Encore project cost nearly double its intended budget, and in the midst of development, former CEO Steve Wynn faced sexual misconduct allegations, for which he was forced to resign his position and Wynn Resorts was ultimately fined $35 million (a relatively small amount) by Massachusetts gaming regulators for its handling of the misconduct claims against its named chairman. Plans began shortly after then-Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a law to allow casino developments in the state in 2011. The journey to Encore’s opening has not been without its hiccups. last call for active gamblers on the casino floor), and unveiling 15 restaurants and bars, including one that’s a joint venture from two prominent North End restaurant families. Encore Boston Harbor, a Wynn Resorts hotel and casino that, despite its name, is not actually situated on Boston Harbor, opens on Sunday, June 23, accepting customers to its sprawling gambling spaces ( with 4 a.m. A years-long casino resort development that has risen to tower over the shores of the Mystic River finally opens its doors this weekend.

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