Around New England

Everett Casino Could Automate Away Bartenders

January 11, 2020

In a cost-cutting measure, Wynn Resorts at Encore Boston Harbor will pursue automated drink dispensers to replace bartenders and other staff.

The sixth-month old $2.6 billion casino employs 4,485 workers and has 80 job openings. The casino has not laid off any of their workers yet, but it is a possibility if the drink automated beverage machines are approved by the state, according to the Associated Press.

Through the first three months of the casino complex’s existence, it experienced a $42 million operating loss despite generating about $50 million in revenue from gambling. That puts it on pace for $600 million of revenue in its first year of operation — well below the $800 million annually Wynn had projected to earn.

The casino also underwent a leadership change in the fall. Its president Robert DeSalvio was replaced by Brian Gullbrants, who previously oversaw Encore’s Las Vegas casinos.

In hopes of earning more revenue and attracting more customers, Encore Boston Harbor also got rid of its parking fees. Previously, it cost $22 for up to six hours to park in the self-parking garage and $42 for 24 hours of parking, according to CBS Boston.