Encore Boston (Everett)
June 24th, 2019 at 2:41:30 PM
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Report from day two of Encore Everett.
Traffic was extremely light. I took the subway and a shuttle bus from the subway stop, anticipating horrible traffic tie-ups since normal pre-open traffic has always been bad in Everett and around. Not the case today. If I were to come back (not likely) on a summer weekday I would drive. If traffic on day 2 is this good, why not?
Crowds were extremely thin. No trouble finding empty spots at the "low-limit" tables. Many unopened tables, but tables were opening at about 1:00 PM.
Most BJ tables on the first(ground) floor had 6-5 blackjack embedded in the felt. All of these tables were $25 minimum. Eight deck. H17. Forgot to ask about surrender. Maybe 20-30 tables like this. Match-the-Dealer and Super4 progressive. Did not see any Spanish21.
One pit of 3-2 blackjack tables on the first(ground) floor. Also eight deck, H17. These were all $50 minimum except one or two that were $100. At least two empty seats at all six or eight of these tables, two with just two players each.
Maybe the $25 6/5 tables will go $15 after the opening, and the $50 3/2 will drop to $25? MGM/Springfield is set up that way, although the 6/5 tables in Springfield are all CSM.
Second floor was high-roller - $100 and $200 minimums, 6 deck, 3-2. Ten tables, maybe five players total, one to a table. More staff than players. Ratio at least 4:1.
Everything I saw was ASM. No CSM anywhere.
I would think they would be disappointed with the low turnout on day two. Not the slightest sense of excitement or glitz. Felt like the place had been open for months, except that there was not the slightest smudge, wrinkle or stain anywhere. No smoking! How great is that!
Traffic was extremely light. I took the subway and a shuttle bus from the subway stop, anticipating horrible traffic tie-ups since normal pre-open traffic has always been bad in Everett and around. Not the case today. If I were to come back (not likely) on a summer weekday I would drive. If traffic on day 2 is this good, why not?
Crowds were extremely thin. No trouble finding empty spots at the "low-limit" tables. Many unopened tables, but tables were opening at about 1:00 PM.
Most BJ tables on the first(ground) floor had 6-5 blackjack embedded in the felt. All of these tables were $25 minimum. Eight deck. H17. Forgot to ask about surrender. Maybe 20-30 tables like this. Match-the-Dealer and Super4 progressive. Did not see any Spanish21.
One pit of 3-2 blackjack tables on the first(ground) floor. Also eight deck, H17. These were all $50 minimum except one or two that were $100. At least two empty seats at all six or eight of these tables, two with just two players each.
Maybe the $25 6/5 tables will go $15 after the opening, and the $50 3/2 will drop to $25? MGM/Springfield is set up that way, although the 6/5 tables in Springfield are all CSM.
Second floor was high-roller - $100 and $200 minimums, 6 deck, 3-2. Ten tables, maybe five players total, one to a table. More staff than players. Ratio at least 4:1.
Everything I saw was ASM. No CSM anywhere.
I would think they would be disappointed with the low turnout on day two. Not the slightest sense of excitement or glitz. Felt like the place had been open for months, except that there was not the slightest smudge, wrinkle or stain anywhere. No smoking! How great is that!
June 24th, 2019 at 5:09:26 PM
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it's possible that so many people thought it would be crazy busy that everyone stayed away.
June 25th, 2019 at 12:20:45 AM
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Doubtful. Only people who take a second to think actually even think about that... so 90% of the typical casino crowd would just show up anyways =D.Quote: rsactuaryit's possible that so many people thought it would be crazy busy that everyone stayed away.
Glad to hear their $25 min 6/5 games and $50 min 8D H17 3/2 games were empty and hopefully they all remain empty. AP's are good at math... why on earth didn't they have someone they hired like Teliot do an analysis of their spending "fighting" AP's vs actual AP takes, especially as it relates to blackjack, which they seem MOST WORRIED about. Seriously, most casinos spend 6 figures, if not millions, trying to "protect" their blackjack games against counters that make $15/hour at their tables. Never mind the fact that I'm only talking about 1% of the 1% of the population that even tries to count. Such a complete and absolute waste of money. It AMAZES ME that casinos in this day and age are CONSTANTLY going bankrupt.. Like people are literally just giving you money, how the F do you F that up?
They don't have any decent sign up bonuses/offers?
Playing it correctly means you've already won.
June 25th, 2019 at 2:28:26 AM
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Top 10 facts, figures and tidbits from the opening of Encore Boston Harbor. http://bit.ly/2xelmAQ
Two days before Sunday's highly anticipated grand opening of Encore Boston Harbor, Casino City received a two-hour tour of the $2.6 million casino resort, providing plenty of fodder for this week's top 10.
Two days before Sunday's highly anticipated grand opening of Encore Boston Harbor, Casino City received a two-hour tour of the $2.6 million casino resort, providing plenty of fodder for this week's top 10.
Stephen Au-Yeung (Legend of New Table Games®) NewTableGames.com
June 25th, 2019 at 4:10:12 AM
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Quote: MrCasinoGamesTop 10 facts, figures and tidbits from the opening of Encore Boston Harbor. http://bit.ly/2xelmAQ
Two days before Sunday's highly anticipated grand opening of Encore Boston Harbor, Casino City received a two-hour tour of the $2.6 million casino resort, providing plenty of fodder for this week's top 10.
That has to be 2.6 Billion, doesn't it?
As to 6/5 BJ and stupid waste of money on card-counting protection, I would think the MIT counting teams made a very particular, local impression on Everett, not to mention the hundreds of mathematicians still there. So I think they can perhaps be excused a bit from wasting their money with that concentration of potential talent in the area.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
June 25th, 2019 at 5:56:58 AM
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Been saying/wondering this for a long time now.Quote: RomesIt AMAZES ME that casinos in this day and age are CONSTANTLY going bankrupt.. Like people are literally just giving you money, how the F do you F that up?
Huge offers and promos going on there.....Quote: RomesThey don't have any decent sign up bonuses/offers?
10% off any room, with a Red Card.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
June 25th, 2019 at 6:02:46 AM
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How Encore Boston Harbor designer Roger Thomas brought opulence, intrigue to Everett. http://bit.ly/2X4hnkS
A small-framed man with thick-rimmed glasses walked on the casino floor, past the flashing slot machines, and looked up. Staring back at him were massive ruby red Venetian glass chandeliers with twisting arms. “I was drawing this chandelier, and I saw a woman in a pleated skirt pivot and move, and she had this beautiful S-curved swirl to her skirt,” said Roger Thomas, the renowned designer behind the Wynn Resorts properties. “So I wanted them to do the same thing.”
A small-framed man with thick-rimmed glasses walked on the casino floor, past the flashing slot machines, and looked up. Staring back at him were massive ruby red Venetian glass chandeliers with twisting arms. “I was drawing this chandelier, and I saw a woman in a pleated skirt pivot and move, and she had this beautiful S-curved swirl to her skirt,” said Roger Thomas, the renowned designer behind the Wynn Resorts properties. “So I wanted them to do the same thing.”
Stephen Au-Yeung (Legend of New Table Games®) NewTableGames.com
June 25th, 2019 at 10:08:10 AM
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The last of the top ten reported above surprised me. $42 a day to park! I was going to drive up for a second visit, but not for that amount. There's a garage adjacent to the subway stop, which I'm sure charges, but I'll bet it's not $42 a day. Free parking at all other casinos in New England!
Non high-rollers I am sure, will not squeal so loudly if they lose $42 at the slots or tables, or spend $42 for dinner for two (probably just one!) But that's pretty steep to park.
As far as AP protection, while 8 deck and 6/5 will keep knowledgeable folks away, I've heard so many outlandish theories from MOST people playing blackjack, at tables of every size, shape and rule, that I think these relatively new changes are more to improve house edge, with what looks to be minimal loss in business.
It's tough to gauge in New England what business impact these rules have since there are new places in the region to draw business from the old-line shops. The economy is constantly in flux. So who knows whether 6/5 has hurt or improved the take.
People play $25 a hand at a 6/5 $10 table, every hand, when there is a $15 3/2 game at the very next table. 6/5 isn't there because they are afraid of AP. It's because they have come to see that there are is a lot of DP (Dumb Play) of which to take advantage.
Non high-rollers I am sure, will not squeal so loudly if they lose $42 at the slots or tables, or spend $42 for dinner for two (probably just one!) But that's pretty steep to park.
As far as AP protection, while 8 deck and 6/5 will keep knowledgeable folks away, I've heard so many outlandish theories from MOST people playing blackjack, at tables of every size, shape and rule, that I think these relatively new changes are more to improve house edge, with what looks to be minimal loss in business.
It's tough to gauge in New England what business impact these rules have since there are new places in the region to draw business from the old-line shops. The economy is constantly in flux. So who knows whether 6/5 has hurt or improved the take.
People play $25 a hand at a 6/5 $10 table, every hand, when there is a $15 3/2 game at the very next table. 6/5 isn't there because they are afraid of AP. It's because they have come to see that there are is a lot of DP (Dumb Play) of which to take advantage.
June 25th, 2019 at 1:38:32 PM
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4 arrested at new Boston-area casino during grand opening. http://bit.ly/2J4RP27
Police say four people were arrested at the Boston area’s new casino in its first 24 hours of operation, including two men who were allegedly cheating at roulette. Despite the arrests, Everett police Chief Steven Mazzie said his department dealt with “very limited problems” at the $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor that opened Sunday.
Police say four people were arrested at the Boston area’s new casino in its first 24 hours of operation, including two men who were allegedly cheating at roulette. Despite the arrests, Everett police Chief Steven Mazzie said his department dealt with “very limited problems” at the $2.6 billion Encore Boston Harbor that opened Sunday.
Stephen Au-Yeung (Legend of New Table Games®) NewTableGames.com
June 28th, 2019 at 9:37:17 AM
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Another brief foray into the Encore.
Fridy night ~ 7PM.
Many of the previous $25 6/5 tables bumped to $50, with a few $25 6/5 tables remaining. I assume as the evening progresses the limits will go up.
Seats backed up at all the tables. The place was very busy as you might expect on a regular Friday night, although not extremely packed this early.
Interesting mistake: offering even money on a blackjack when the dealer is showing an Ace - the usual offer when asking about insurance on a 3/2 table. Dealer was obviously very new - young kid - although you would think that a professional operation like Encore, and the now long-standing presence of 6/5, that the dealers would be well-trained to know when to offer even money.
Interesting observation: I drove to Encore from Logan airport, and let Waze give me directions as there is no obvious route from point A to point B. Waze took me through the most pot-holed, industrial, poorly lit, traffic-congested set of side streets imaginable. Even at twilight I was wondering what kind of neighborhood I was driving through and what it would be like in the nighttime, or in the rain or snow. Sketchy route the whole way, until you turn onto "Broadway" and there down the street is the Encore tower. There is no way as a stranger in town I am going to be impressed as a high-roller flying into town and getting a limo or an Uber over to this casino. Truly there are no other attractions in southeastern Connecticut other than the two casinos. but at least on the way to them you are not worried about what happens if your ride breaks down.
Fridy night ~ 7PM.
Many of the previous $25 6/5 tables bumped to $50, with a few $25 6/5 tables remaining. I assume as the evening progresses the limits will go up.
Seats backed up at all the tables. The place was very busy as you might expect on a regular Friday night, although not extremely packed this early.
Interesting mistake: offering even money on a blackjack when the dealer is showing an Ace - the usual offer when asking about insurance on a 3/2 table. Dealer was obviously very new - young kid - although you would think that a professional operation like Encore, and the now long-standing presence of 6/5, that the dealers would be well-trained to know when to offer even money.
Interesting observation: I drove to Encore from Logan airport, and let Waze give me directions as there is no obvious route from point A to point B. Waze took me through the most pot-holed, industrial, poorly lit, traffic-congested set of side streets imaginable. Even at twilight I was wondering what kind of neighborhood I was driving through and what it would be like in the nighttime, or in the rain or snow. Sketchy route the whole way, until you turn onto "Broadway" and there down the street is the Encore tower. There is no way as a stranger in town I am going to be impressed as a high-roller flying into town and getting a limo or an Uber over to this casino. Truly there are no other attractions in southeastern Connecticut other than the two casinos. but at least on the way to them you are not worried about what happens if your ride breaks down.
August 9th, 2019 at 10:18:18 PM
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A foray into the high roller section of Encore.
Lots of Baccarat and Blackjack tables. All of the Blackjack tables have a minimum of $100 - $200. They can go up to $500. Hand shuffled decks are available, but only two of the tables do that, whereas the others are ASM.
I asked about double deck Blackjack since this is offered at the Vegas properties. They claimed that Massachusetts laws prohibits double decks...which I find to be complete bullshit. It's probably just a countermeasure for counters.
Deck penetration was about 83% of the 6 deck Blackjacks.
Lots of Baccarat and Blackjack tables. All of the Blackjack tables have a minimum of $100 - $200. They can go up to $500. Hand shuffled decks are available, but only two of the tables do that, whereas the others are ASM.
I asked about double deck Blackjack since this is offered at the Vegas properties. They claimed that Massachusetts laws prohibits double decks...which I find to be complete bullshit. It's probably just a countermeasure for counters.
Deck penetration was about 83% of the 6 deck Blackjacks.
August 10th, 2019 at 2:34:20 PM
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The Massachusetts rules specifically describe, in great detail, a two-deck option. There was some controversy when Encore first opened about whether or ot they were in compliance with 6-2, 8-deck games, but that seems to have been resolved. At least the publicity went away.
The specific chapter-and-verse of the MA rules are out there. Two deck pitch games (as opposed to ASM or CSM games) are mentioned and permitted.
But they are not required.
The specific chapter-and-verse of the MA rules are out there. Two deck pitch games (as opposed to ASM or CSM games) are mentioned and permitted.
But they are not required.
August 31st, 2019 at 11:59:03 AM
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I visited this property last night. Place was packed. It seems like a real destination spot for the young Boston crowd. People dressed to the nines like they were clubbing. Many more people partying than gambling (but plenty doing that as well).
All craps tables were $25. 3/4/5 odds. Pay vig on 4 and 10 upfront. Field no triple pay.
Plenty of 3:2 BJ at $25 level (H17).
Many dealers at craps and table games did not know what they were doing. Saw numerous dealer errors, sometimes as the pit boss looked on obliviously.
All craps tables were $25. 3/4/5 odds. Pay vig on 4 and 10 upfront. Field no triple pay.
Plenty of 3:2 BJ at $25 level (H17).
Many dealers at craps and table games did not know what they were doing. Saw numerous dealer errors, sometimes as the pit boss looked on obliviously.
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; but that is the way to bet.
September 1st, 2019 at 10:42:02 AM
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Quote: racquet.
Interesting observation: I drove to Encore from Logan airport, and let Waze give me directions as there is no obvious route from point A to point B. Waze took me through the most pot-holed, industrial, poorly lit, traffic-congested set of side streets imaginable. Even at twilight I was wondering what kind of neighborhood I was driving through and what it would be like in the nighttime, or in the rain or snow. Sketchy route the whole way, until you turn onto "Broadway" and there down the street is the Encore tower. There is no way as a stranger in town I am going to be impressed as a high-roller flying into town and getting a limo or an Uber over to this casino. Truly there are no other attractions in southeastern Connecticut other than the two casinos. but at least on the way to them you are not worried about what happens if your ride breaks down.
LOL. Welcome to Boston. It sucks.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
