EVERETT, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The new Encore Boston Harbor resort and casino is officially opening in Everett this weekend.
At a press conference on Wednesday, officials said that there would be lots of transportation options for gamblers coming to the casino.
Here’s everything you need to know:
When Does It Open?
The casino is slated to open its doors at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 23.
How Can You Get There?
Gamblers are advised to leave their cars at home. Parking at the casino will cost $42 for 24 hours, and there are plenty of public transportation options.
Free shuttle buses will be offered from two MBTA Orange Line stops — Wellington and Malden Center — and will run every 10 to 20 minutes.
Prime coach rides will also be offered for $7 from Londonderry, N.H., Millbury, Mass., and Rockland, Mass.
Luxury ferry boats, costing between $5 to $7, will also be offered to those headed to the casino — the boats will take people to and from the Encore Casino, Seaport World Trade Center, and Long Wharf.
The ferries are scheduled to run every day from 7 a.m. to midnight.
What Games Will Be Offered?
Along with games like poker and slot machines, patrons can play an assortment of tabletop games including blackjack and roulette.
How Late Can You Drink There?
Alcohol will be served until 4 a.m. to active gamblers—meaning anyone who has been playing for at least 20 minutes—on the gaming floor.
For those not gambling, drinks will stop being served at 2 a.m.
Gamblers will not be served more than three drinks per hour.
And guess what? If you’re gambling and spending money, drinks are free.
Controversy Surrounding The Casino
The new casino faced a rocky path to get ready for the opening. Following allegations of sexual misconduct by former Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn in 2018, the Gaming Commission released a report earlier this year on whether the company would still maintain their casino license in Massachusetts.
In April of 2018, the company’s new CEO, Matt Maddox, said the name of the casino had been changed to the Encore Boston Harbor so as not to include the Wynn name due to the allegations.
Last month, there was some talk of MGM buying the casino. Many, including Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, raised concerns, saying that the sale would jeopardize MGM’s owned casino in Springfield as the company can only hold one casino license in the state.
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WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlwbz) reports